Identity theft causes millions of dollars in damage and victimizes many people every year in the United States. It makes victims spend long hours to remedy and leaves families in a financial constraint.
However, states such as Texas aggressively punish and pursue guilty and suspected people of this offense. Knowing the legal measures to punish culprits will enable you to protect yourself against identity theft.
What Identity Theft Means in Texas
Is identity theft a felony in Texas? Yes, it is. According to Texas law, identity theft takes different forms. These include fraudulent use and unauthorized acquisition of financial details.
Identity theft charges cover stealing information related to the identity of a person, in addition to their assets. Such information may include driver’s license number, Social Security number, name, fingerprints, and birth date.
On the other hand, charges related to the unauthorized acquisition of financial information cover transferring or accessing financial details to other people without permission. This information may include the following:
- Routing numbers or account numbers
- Card issuance date
- Credit card or debit card number
Felony Level
Although every felony carries severe penalties, their severity depends on the felony level. How long you spend in prison depends on the level of identity theft. For instance, the Texas jail felony for identity theft crime is 6-24 months, while the first-degree felony is 5-99 years.
How People Steal Identities
Thieves stealing identities can acquire information through phone scams or by asking victims to verify specific details. They can receive information online by asking victims to click links to confirm specific details.
Some thieves, like waiters or bank representatives, come into contact with personal details, while others acquire information by checking trash that has confidential information.
Identity Theft Penalties
Different forms of identity theft felonies are regarded as offenses of moral turpitude. Such violations result in distrust of people from different identities, all presenting charges beyond serving jail time. Being convicted with moral turpitude can deter you from getting a license in a particular profession or getting deported if you’re a non-US citizen.
Identity theft penalties vary based on the situations that surround the crime. A person charged with identity theft in Texas may face the following:
- Restitution: A person charged with identity theft can be forced to pay restitution if the court issues a restitution order. The court decides on the restitution amount you will pay victims.
- Probation: The court may order probation instead of serving jail time for a first-time offender. The probation may last for one year or so and may entail losing the freedom of terms & conditions that the court sets.
- Prison or jail time: Identity theft crime may lead to a prison or jail sentence. Convictions like misdemeanor offenses may lead to spending one year in jail, and felony offenses may result in a few years in prison.
- Fines: The fines depend on the conviction and charges, but it is possible to pay thousands of dollars.
Final Remarks
Being charged with identity theft crimes in Texas can lead to severe consequences and might involve complex issues related to procedure and evidence. However, professional legal assistance will help you navigate the criminal system successfully.