What are charges of identity theft and fraud?

Criminal charges involving fraud refer to unlawful deceptions that are generally made for personal or financial gain. Identity theft is one specific form of fraud that involves the use of another’s personal identifying information for some form of gain or advantage. It’s illegal to not only use someone else’s personal information deceptively without their consent but also to intentionally obtain, sell, or share this information. Fraud and identity theft can constitute felony offenses, although some lesser violations may be charged as misdemeanors.

What happens if you are charged with identity theft?

If you are criminally charged with identity theft or fraud, you will have to go through the full criminal justice process. Even though the accusations against you may not involve physical harm to anyone, you will likely be arrested. Your ability to be released on bail may depend on factors like your financial resources and perceived flight risk. From the start, you should have experienced Maryland fraud lawyers representing your interests, including making a case for your freedom at a You need a smart legal strategy and compelling evidence that supports your arguments. Having dedicated legal counsel on your side can help you construct an effective defense. Throughout all proceedings, your attorney will serve as your advocate. Depending on the circumstances, your attorney may be able to get you into a first-offender program, secure a favorable plea deal, achieve a not-guilty trial verdict, or get charges dropped or evidence suppressed.

What defenses are there against charges of fraud?

Convictions of fraud charges usually require both: The knowledge that your actions are deceptive and An intent to defraud and, in doing so, achieve some form of personal or financial gain In some instances, the legal strategy that is most promising may be arguing a lack of knowledge or intent. If, for example, you did not know the claims you made were untrue or you did not have any intent of profiting off of deception in any way, your actions may not legally constitute fraud. In other cases, you might argue that the allegations against you are completely false, whether due to mistaken identity or outright lies. Establishing that these allegations are false through alibis, witness statements, and other evidence can refute the prosecution’s claims. Illegal searches and seizures, failures to inform defendants of their legal rights, and other improper procedures could result in evidence being suppressed. It’s possible for such improper procedures to ultimately result in the dismissal of your charges altogether. Examining all aspects of your arrest can help us identify any such procedures. Ultimately, the prosecutor must prove your guilt through evidence. Through our efforts to expose all of the weaknesses, inaccuracies, and discrepancies in the case against you, we can establish that the evidence fails to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the standard required for a criminal conviction.

What kind of lawyer do I need for fraud charge defense?

To help you develop a strong case against the charges you’re facing, you need an experienced criminal defense firm. There are numerous types of criminal violations that can vary significantly. For charges of identity theft and fraud, it’s in your best interests to look specifically for seasoned Maryland fraud lawyers like Maronick Law LLC. You benefit from trusting your claim to attorneys with a track record of success handling white-collar crimes because we know the intricacies of this branch of law and have a history of developing legal strategies that work.

Maryland Fraud Lawyers

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Identity Theft Defense Attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD Providing Comprehensive Defense Strategies in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and Throughout Maryland

Your entire future is at stake when you’re facing charges of identity theft or any form of fraud. Years of incarceration, significant fines, and a criminal record that follows you for a lifetime are all among the potential penalties for these white-collar crimes. You need Maronick Law LLC’s Maryland fraud lawyers to prepare your defense and advocate for your legal rights.

The worst-case scenario doesn’t have to be your future. Our team of identity theft defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, is committed to fighting for the most favorable outcome possible in your situation. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today for a free initial consultation.

What to Do If You Are Charged With Identity Theft or Fraud

If you have been charged with identity theft or fraud, you need legal counsel right away. A single, seemingly harmless mistake could make matters even worse.

Don’t attempt to clear up misunderstandings or explain to the police what really happened without first consulting experienced Maryland fraud lawyers. Instead, cooperate with the arrest but inform officers that you will be exercising your right to remain silent until you can speak to an attorney.

Provide your identity theft defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, with all of the information needed to investigate the matter. Our team will take on the tasks of:

Identifying any evidence that supports your defense or any mitigating circumstances
Looking for weaknesses and inconsistencies in the case against you
Determining whether any improper procedures were used in gathering evidence against you or arresting you

Based on this investigation, we can begin to develop a strong defense strategy that’s tailored to your unique situation.

Identity Theft Charges in Maryland

Identity theft and other forms of fraud are criminal offenses under Maryland state law as well as federal law. You could face lengthy jail sentences and fines that pose significant financial hardships.

What Constitutes Identity Theft?

Identity theft is a specific type of fraud crime that pertains to the unlawful use of another person’s identifying information.

Under Section 8-301 of Maryland’s Criminal Law Article, it’s illegal to knowingly obtain, possess, sell, share, or transfer for gain of any kind another person’s personal identifying information without their consent. Personal identifying information under Maryland law includes:

Names
Dates of birth
Addresses
Telephone numbers
Driver’s license numbers
Social Security numbers
Employment information, such as place of employment and employee identification numbers
Health insurance identification numbers
Medical identification numbers
Mother’s maiden name
Bank account numbers
Credit card and debit card numbers
Personal identification numbers
Digital signatures
Fingerprints, voice prints, retina images, and other biometric data

It’s also illegal under this statute to knowingly assume someone else’s real identity or a fictional identity for the purpose of avoiding criminal prosecution or financial obligation or to fraudulently receive any form of gain, including:

Healthcare services
Access to another’s health information
Financial gain of any kind
Credit
Goods
Services

Grades of Charges and Penalties for Identity Theft

Violating Maryland’s identity theft laws carries a risk of serious penalties. At a minimum, you could be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and up to $500 in fines. The potential sentences you could face if convicted of identity theft in Maryland depend on the value of the financial gains, credit, goods, services, and benefits obtained.

For gains in the range of $100 to less than $1,500, a misdemeanor charge could result in up to one year in prison and up to $500 in fines.
If the gain from the alleged identity theft amounted to at least $1,500 to less than $25,000, you could be charged with a felony and face up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
For gains in the range of at least $25,000 to less than $100,000, you could be charged with a felony and sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines if convicted.
If the gains from the violation exceeded $100,000, the felony identity theft charge could result in up to 20 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

You could be charged with a felony even if no gains in finances, credit, goods, services, or benefits were made if the prosecution successfully argues that the crime occurred “under circumstances that reasonably indicate” an intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense someone’s identifying information without their consent. The penalty for this offense can be as high as 10 years of jail time and up to $25,000 in fines.

Federal Identity Theft Crimes

Identity theft is also prohibited under federal law, specifically the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act and the Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act. Federal law not only criminalizes the commission of identity theft but also establishes as grounds for enhanced penalties factors such as using a stolen identity to commit a felony crime.

Federal penalties for identity theft are much harsher than sentences imposed at the state level. Identity theft with no prior conviction or aggravating factors could still send you to prison for up to 15 years. With a prior conviction or a crime of violence or drug trafficking, you could face up to 20 years. Using identity theft offenses in the commission of a terrorist act could result in up to 30 years in jail.

The serious penalties you’re facing demand the assistance of experienced identity theft defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD.

Types of Fraud Charges

Identity theft is one form of fraud, but there are many other types of fraud, as well. Fraud generally refers to intentional and unlawful acts of deception, typically for the purpose of financial or personal gain of any kind.

Types of fraud for which you could face criminal charges include:

Corporate fraud and business fraud
Consumer fraud
Financial fraud
Bank fraud
Check fraud
Mortgage fraud
Loan fraud
Credit card fraud
Debit card fraud
Investment fraud
Securities and commodities fraud
Real estate investment fraud
Real estate fraud
Insurance fraud
Medicare fraud and Medicaid fraud
Healthcare fraud and medical fraud
Medical billing fraud
Tax fraud
Federal mail fraud
Wire fraud
Email fraud
Telemarketing fraud
Immigration fraud
Government fraud, including food stamp fraud, unemployment fraud, and student loan fraud
Campaign finance fraud
Bankruptcy fraud
Cryptocurrency fraud
Auto dealer fraud
Contractor fraud
Elder fraud

Title 8 of the Maryland Criminal Law Article establishes the variety of actions that can constitute fraud violations under state law. Depending on the specifics of the accusations against you, you could be facing years in prison for fraud charges in Maryland.

If your charges constitute a federal offense, the potential penalties of a conviction could amount to a decade or more in prison and, for certain crimes, up to 30 years of incarceration.

How Maronick Law LLC Can Help

When you’re looking for an effective defense against charges of white-collar crimes, putting your case in the hands of the right Maryland fraud lawyers makes all the difference. Maronick Law LLC knows how to stand up to identity theft charges and beat unfair accusations of fraud. Our effective approach to building your defense strategy includes the following:

Evaluating the full facts of your situation as part of a complimentary initial consultation
Investigating the accusations against you to identify any evidence in your favor
Developing a personalized defense based on your specific circumstances
Representing you in all proceedings and providing critical legal advice
Arguing for the suppression of any improperly obtained evidence against you
Seeking a favorable outcome through pre-trial motions, first-offender programs, plea bargains, compelling defenses at trials, and alternative sentencing options

We aim to secure the most beneficial resolution possible for our clients. Depending on the circumstances, this might include getting fraud charges dropped or reduced, securing a not-guilty verdict at trial, or attaining lighter penalties.

Why Choose Maronick Law LLC?

Maronick Law LLC’s Maryland fraud lawyers have a reputation for attaining results.

Decades of Experience Handling White-Collar Crimes

Collectively, our team has more than 80 years of experience defending the accused and securing results that minimize the impact of criminal charges.

Skilled Defense for Fraud Cases of All Kinds

Our attorneys assist clients with all types of fraud cases, including charges filed at both the state and the federal levels. With a comprehensive range of criminal defense knowledge, we’re equipped to assist you with all charges arising out of fraud allegations.

Commitment to Developing Effective, Innovative Legal Strategies

Maronick Law LLC is known for our innovative approach to securing outcomes that benefit our clients. We’re prepared to explore creative solutions, like cutting-edge investigative techniques and alternative sentencing options, as well as develop individualized arguments in your defense.

Contact the Maryland Fraud Lawyers at Maronick Law LLC Today for a Free Case Review

You need dedicated legal support to confront the criminal proceedings ahead and attain a favorable outcome.

For help from identity theft defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, contact Maronick Law LLC online or call 443-351-6657 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Charges in Maryland

Criminal charges involving fraud refer to unlawful deceptions that are generally made for personal or financial gain.
Identity theft is one specific form of fraud that involves the use of another’s personal identifying information for some form of gain or advantage. It’s illegal to not only use someone else’s personal information deceptively without their consent but also to intentionally obtain, sell, or share this information.
Fraud and identity theft can constitute felony offenses, although some lesser violations may be charged as misdemeanors.
If you are criminally charged with identity theft or fraud, you will have to go through the full criminal justice process.
Even though the accusations against you may not involve physical harm to anyone, you will likely be arrested. Your ability to be released on bail may depend on factors like your financial resources and perceived flight risk. From the start, you should have experienced Maryland fraud lawyers representing your interests, including making a case for your freedom at a bail review hearing.
You need a smart legal strategy and compelling evidence that supports your arguments. Having dedicated legal counsel on your side can help you construct an effective defense. Throughout all proceedings, your attorney will serve as your advocate. Depending on the circumstances, your attorney may be able to get you into a first-offender program, secure a favorable plea deal, achieve a not-guilty trial verdict, or get charges dropped or evidence suppressed.
Convictions of fraud charges usually require both:
The knowledge that your actions are deceptive and
An intent to defraud and, in doing so, achieve some form of personal or financial gain
In some instances, the legal strategy that is most promising may be arguing a lack of knowledge or intent. If, for example, you did not know the claims you made were untrue or you did not have any intent of profiting off of deception in any way, your actions may not legally constitute fraud.
In other cases, you might argue that the allegations against you are completely false, whether due to mistaken identity or outright lies. Establishing that these allegations are false through alibis, witness statements, and other evidence can refute the prosecution’s claims.
Illegal searches and seizures, failures to inform defendants of their legal rights, and other improper procedures could result in evidence being suppressed. It’s possible for such improper procedures to ultimately result in the dismissal of your charges altogether. Examining all aspects of your arrest can help us identify any such procedures.
Ultimately, the prosecutor must prove your guilt through evidence. Through our efforts to expose all of the weaknesses, inaccuracies, and discrepancies in the case against you, we can establish that the evidence fails to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the standard required for a criminal conviction.
To help you develop a strong case against the charges you’re facing, you need an experienced criminal defense firm. There are numerous types of criminal violations that can vary significantly. For charges of identity theft and fraud, it’s in your best interests to look specifically for seasoned Maryland fraud lawyers like Maronick Law LLC. You benefit from trusting your claim to attorneys with a track record of success handling white-collar crimes because we know the intricacies of this branch of law and have a history of developing legal strategies that work.