Penalties for Identity Theft in Fort Lauderdale

Identity theft is an example of “white collar crime” in Fort Lauderdale, and the penalties can be quite significant. While many assume that stealing a person’s identity is only possible with complex computer software, there are many ways to commit this offense. What happens if you have been accused of identity theft in Florida? How can you defend yourself and avoid excessive penalties?

Man Struggles to Find Work After Wallet Thieves Steal His Identity 

In August of 2024, it was reported that a man from South Florida was struggling to find employment after losing his wallet. According to this individual, the people who stole his wallet also stole his identity and committed numerous crimes in his name. He now struggles to find work because his identity is linked with offenses that he never committed.

Florida takes identity theft very seriously because of stories like this. Even if you never harmed anyone or committed crimes with someone’s identity, you will still face serious penalties. This is considered a form of white-collar crime, and felony charges are possible.

High-Profile Musician Faces Serious Penalties for Identity Theft in Florida 

In June of 2024, a high-profile musician faced numerous charges in Fort Lauderdale, including identity theft, grand theft, and other fraud-related crimes. The singer/rapper’s mother was also implicated in the scheme. This highlights the fact that anyone can be charged with identity theft – even celebrities.

Penalties for Identity Theft in Florida 

In Florida, the penalties for identity theft depend on the number of victims and the amount stolen. If the alleged fraud leads to at least $5,000 in “financial injuries,” you face a minimum three-year prison sentence. You may also face the same penalty if there are between 10 to 20 victims.

These penalties continue to increase based on the number of victims and the stolen amounts. The most serious penalties are reserved for those who gain more than $100,000 or steal more than 30 identities. If you meet these thresholds, you face a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years.

Note that many instances of identity theft come with additional, related charges. These might include money laundering, wire fraud, mail fraud, and many others. To respond to these charges in the most efficient manner, consider reaching out to a defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.

Find an Experienced White Collar Crime Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

If you’ve been searching for an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, look no further than Haber & Blank, Attorneys at Law. Over the years, we have represented numerous defendants throughout the Florida area, and we know how serious identity theft can become. Defending yourself might be easier than you realize, so book a consultation today to discuss potential strategies.

Sources: 

wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/its-devastating-identity-theft-victim-says-he-was-denied-usps-job-because-of-criminal-arrested-under-his-name/

nbcnews.com/news/us-news/sean-kingston-booked-florida-jail-mother-are-charged-1m-fraud-rcna155280

floridabar.org/public/consumer/tip011/#:~:text=Laws%20addressing%20identity%20theft,-Under%20Florida%20law&text=Theft%20or%20fraud%20in%20excess,Fla.