Theft crimes are some of the most common criminal offenses in the United States. Common theft crimes include the theft of cash, vehicle parts, clothing, and tools. Often, theft charges are considered "crimes of dishonesty," which can have lasting consequences long after a criminal case is resolved.
Identity theft occurs when one person uses another’s identifying information for financial gain. Identifying information may include an individual’s name, date of birth, social security number, or driver’s license number.
Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat, LLP, has been representing clients accused of theft for more than two decades. Whether you have been accused of shoplifting, identity theft, phishing, or other theft crimes, it is important you speak with us before discussing the details of your case with the police or anyone else.
If you have been accused of committing identity theft in Salt Lake City, Utah, or in the surrounding areas, contact the lawyers of Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat
at (801) 532-5297 for an initial consultation.
Additional Information about Identity Theft Crimes in Utah
Identity theft penalties include incarceration, fines, and probation. Charges for identity theft include the following:
Multiple violations in a single offense make the charge aggravated, which carries harsher penalties.
Any individual that conducts business in Utah must vow to protect the personal information of all customers and employees. Such protection includes implementing safety procedures that will keep sensitive information from being breached. No information shall be collected or maintained if there is not a proper procedure in place to protect it. Once the information is no longer needed, the business owner must ensure it is erased from the system, and all paper files are shredded.
Using a computer to obtain personal information is known as phishing. Phishing is typically done through a false website or via email. The perpetrator will send an email to a consumer claiming to be a business that requires personal information. Many people fall for the scam and send their information without hesitation.
Another way people commit phishing crimes is when they direct consumers to false websites that require them to create an account or enter information when they make a purchase. Their personal data is then collected. Unlawfully, obtaining the electronic signature of another person, their payment card information, PIN number, social security number, and driver’s license details is a second-degree felony offense.
Using a fraudulent driver’s license in order to acquire services is prohibited by Utah law. It could earn the perpetrator a third-degree felony charge and up to five years in prison. Any employee of the Driver License Bureau that provides identification to someone who does not rightfully obtain it commits a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A person that uses this ID to purchase alcohol also commits a class A misdemeanor crime and faces the same punishment.
Lending an acquaintance a driver’s license so they can use it to receive goods or services is a class C misdemeanor offense. It’s also a class C misdemeanor to lend an ID to someone to use for that purpose. Class C misdemeanors are punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $750.
Intentionally using someone else’s identity and personal information is a crime. If you or a loved one is facing criminal identity theft or phishing charges in Salt Lake City, Utah, or surrounding areas, contact the lawyers of Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat, LLP, at (801) 532-5297 today.
The attorneys in our office have successfully handled many types of criminal cases throughout the State of Utah for the last two decades. Our lawyers have also earned Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat, LLP the highest possible rating by Martindale-Hubbell, an information services company that rates the legal and ethical ability of attorneys. We welcome you to contact us at (801) 532-5297 today.
