Identity Theft
Federal identity theft offenses involve the unlawful use, possession, or transfer of another person’s identifying information for fraudulent or criminal purposes. These cases are prosecuted under federal law and often carry enhanced penalties when identity theft is committed in connection with other felony offenses.
Identity theft statutes may apply to conduct involving false identification documents, misuse of personal identifying information, or identity theft used to facilitate financial crimes, immigration violations, or other federal offenses. Some statutes impose mandatory prison sentences when identity theft occurs alongside certain qualifying crimes.
The statutes below govern how federal identity theft offenses are defined, charged, and punished.
- 18 U.S.C. § 1028 – Fraud in Connection With Identification Documents and Information
- 18 U.S.C. § 1028A – Aggravated Identity Theft
Understanding Federal Identity Theft Laws
Federal identity theft statutes distinguish between general identity fraud offenses and aggravated identity theft, which carries mandatory consecutive sentencing. These laws are frequently charged alongside fraud, cybercrime, and financial offenses.
Federal Identity Theft Defense
Identity theft investigations often involve financial records, electronic communications, and document analysis. If you are under investigation or facing federal identity theft charges, it is important to speak with an attorney experienced in federal criminal defense. Contact Combs Waterkotte online or call (314) 900-HELP to discuss your case with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney.
