Greenville Financial Identity Fraud Lawyer

Financial Identity fraud happens when one person uses another person’s identification to obtain goods or money fraudulently. Financial identity fraud can have damaging effects on the people whose identities are stolen as well as on the economy. Consequently, investigators and prosecutors treat financial identity fraud very harshly. If convicted, an offender could face steep punishment.

If you are under investigation for stealing someone’s identity, it is crucial that you act swiftly to protect your legal rights and get in touch with a skilled defense attorney as soon as possible. An experienced Greenville financial identity fraud lawyer could explore all possible defenses and work to give you the best chance of preserving your freedom.

What is Financial Identity Fraud?

Financial Identity Fraud occurs when someone appropriates the financial resources of another person, devises a scheme to defraud, or obtains money or goods by using or obtaining identifying information of another individual, such as their social security number. Essentially, a person steals another person’s identifying information to gain access to some benefit. The most common stolen personal identifying information are driver’s licenses, passports, social security numbers, credit card numbers, checking or savings account numbers, digital signatures, passwords, or dates of birth. According to SC Code Section 16-13-510, South Carolina law treats identify theft as either financial identity fraud or identity fraud.

The prosecution needs to prove that the defendant used or took the identifying information without the complainant’s consent. They would also need to demonstrate the following:

  • The defendant intended to take money from the complainant’s financial resources for either their use or a third party’s use,
  • The defendant intended to use the identity to defraud the complainant, or
  • The defendant planned to use the identifying information as a means to benefit by false pretenses.

The prosecution would not need to prove that the defendant actually used and benefitted from the identifying information. The fact that the defendant intended to benefit from the identity would be sufficient. An experienced Greenville Financial Identity Fraud attorney could potentially use a defendant’s lack of intent as a defense in court.

Identity Fraud

Identity fraud occurs when someone uses another’s identity for a purpose of gaining employment or avoiding detection by law enforcement. Often, identity fraud occurs when someone pretends to be another person to obtain a job because they do not want to disclose their real employment history or criminal background. Identity theft also happens when people lie to police officers or other law enforcement officials about who they are to avoid arrest.

A seasoned identity theft lawyer in Greenville could use their experience and knowledge to help an accused defendant refute the charges. In many instances, they can clear up any simple misunderstandings regarding consent and intent.

Possible Penalties for Identity Theft in Greenville

South Carolina treats all forms of identity theft as serious crimes. If convicted on the most serious charges of felony identity theft, a defendant could receive up to a ten-year prison sentence. In addition to losing their freedom, they could also face a significant financial loss. The court could require them to pay a hefty fine, and they could be forced to pay restitution to the alleged victim. Because there is so much at stake, it is critical that a defendant reach out for legal assistance as soon as they are able.

Call a Greenville Financial Identity Fraud Attorney for Help

If you have been charged with ID theft, you could be facing jail time, fines, and more. It is crucial that you work with a Greenville financial identity fraud lawyer who could give you the best chance of protecting your freedom and preserving your reputation.

At Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to defending your rights and ensuring that your case gets the attention it needs. Get in touch today to set up your free case consultation.

Don’t wait to seek counsel for your urgent legal matter. Call our team today at
(864) 625-2523 for a free consultation.

Why Trust Us to Pursue Your Case

We believe the best partnerships are those based on mutual trust. When you call us for your free consultation, you’ll speak directly to our lawyer. We believe it’s important from the get-go to foster direct communication with our clients to get a full understanding of their cases and what their needs are. Having all the details allows us to prepare accordingly as well as put a personal touch on all that we do.

Our Greenville lawyer is community and client-oriented. We strive to put your needs first in order to achieve results that work for you.

Personalized Service
Personalized Service
Former Municipal Judge
Former Municipal Judge
Deep Knowledge of the Legal System
Deep Knowledge of the Legal System
Former Solicitor in South Carolina
Former Solicitor in South Carolina
Highly Respected in the Legal Community
Highly Respected in the Legal Community
Nearly a Decade of Legal Experience
Nearly a Decade of Legal Experience
Recent Case Results
Effective Defense from a Former Prosecutor
Accident settled for policy limits of $1,000,000.00
Victim of DUI
Reduced to public disorderly conduct for time served
Attempted Murder and Arson 3rd Degree
Dismissed by prosecutor
Domestic Violence 3rd Degree
Dismissed at preliminary hearing
Domestic Violence 2nd Degree
Dismissed at preliminary hearing
Burglary 2nd Degree
Client Review

Considerate and Prepared

Title: Considerate and Prepared
N/A Christopher L. Jones, Attorney at Law 650 East Washington St.
Greenville
SC 29601
(864) 625-2523

Client Description: Chris was able to make time to meet with me within a few hours after I contacted him to represent me in my legal matter. He was considerate and understanding of my need for legal aid. From the beginning, he was emotionally aware and was able to counsel accordingly. Chris was prepared for every possible outcome— giving me options to consider, counseling on the best route to follow, and informed me of what the next steps would be like.

Rating: ★★★★★ 5 / 5 stars