Identity Theft & Access Device Fraud Attorneys
It is a serious crime to steal someone’s ID, make unauthorized purchases on his or her credit card, or possess someone else’s personal information. You will want to consult with an attorney if you are facing these charges.
Bentley, Kopecki, Smith, P.C. can help to respond to the charges and try to help avoid the harshest penalties. We will make every effort to prove that you are not a habitual criminal and to prevent a mistake or misunderstanding from ruining your future. Our identity theft defense lawyers defend adults, college students and youths. When we are involved early, we may be able to intervene and help minimize consequences of these charges.
We offer a free half-hour initial consultation to explore your case and our abilities.
Identity Theft
Pennsylvania’s identity theft statute at 18 Pa.C.S. §4120(a) makes it illegal to “possess or use, through any means, identifying information of another person without the consent of that other person to further any unlawful purpose.”
Identity Theft charges can be graded as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case. According to 18 Pa.C.S. §4120(c), the grading of an Identity Theft charge depends on the total value of the of any property or services obtained by means of the identifying information OR the grading can be affected the age of the victim in the case.
We offer skilled representation if you are facing an identity theft charge, which can include possessing, selling or using someone’s driver’s license, Social Security number or other sensitive documents or identifying information.
Access Device Fraud
The crime of Access Device Fraud in Pennsylvania is outlined in 18 Pa.C.S. §4106. The charge of Access Device Fraud can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the property or service obtained or sought to be obtained. For instance, if the value involved in this crime is $500 or more, then the offense is charged as a felony of the third degree.
We can assist in your defense of an access device fraud, which may involve using someone’s credit card, debit card, ATM card, account numbers or personal identification number (PIN) without his or her knowledge to obtain property or services, or selling or transferring that access to others.
Contact Our Defense Attorneys
We will pursue ARD and other sentencing alternatives to mitigate the penalties and keep the offense off your record. However, these programs are not available to everyone and we can discuss the viability of that option with you at a consultation. We will also review the evidence in your case and advise you on the best course of action given the circumstances.
Call us at 610-685-8000, or contact us online. We offer free 3o minute consultations. Let our experienced attorneys protect your rights.
