CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Was Your Identity Stolen by Someone You Know? Hire a Lawyer Fast

Identity Theft: Taking Legal Action Against the Criminal

Have you ever been a victim of identity theft and you know the culprit responsible for it? It can be distressing when someone you know is the person behind this criminal act of stealing your identity. However, seeking a legal professional’s help can benefit you not only by pressing charges against the perpetrator but also to fight the damage caused to your credit. Identity theft can result in various financial issues, and one must take the legal course to hold the culprit accountable for the possible financial complications, stress, and hassle.

Immediate Action

As soon as you find out that your identity has been compromised, taking prompt action can prevent further damage. Below are some steps you must follow:

– Notify all three credit bureaus to put your credit on hold to prohibit opening new accounts under your identity.
– Freezing all credit or debit cards along with banking accounts.
– Filing a police complaint and provide valid evidence.
– Requesting the postal service to hold your mail if someone has been taking information from your mailbox.

These steps can help you track down the criminal if they try to access your accounts or credit while on hold.

Legal Charges

If the evidence is sufficient enough to prove the accused guilty, they may face multiple criminal and federal charges. The accused may receive a misdemeanor or a felony charge, and expect to pay fines along with the money they stole, and could undergo imprisonment or jail orders if convicted. If you want the damages from your accounts to be reimbursed due to criminal use of your credit to get credit cards, loans, or cash, then charges against the identity thief must be filed.

Settling or Accepting a Plea

If the accused accepts their guilt and is ready to settle the case by paying you back the owed money, it can be an easy way to get the case closed quickly. Your legal representative can use their plea to clear your credit and financial problems caused due to the fraudulent activity on your accounts, and then the judge or prosecutor decides to pursue the charges. You may not need to appear in court during this process.

Once the case has been resolved, you may want to consider enrolling in an identity theft protection program to safeguard yourself from becoming a victim again. Subsequently, a victim of identity theft may have their credit score lowered, even if the criminal didn’t have sufficient time to open accounts or steal money. Therefore, if you are doubtful of your identity being compromised or have evidence, immediately hire an identity theft legal professional to initiate the investigation process.