Identity Theft

Criminal Defense Attorney Representing Bucks County Residents

Bolstered by more than three decades of courtroom experience, Bucks County criminal defense lawyer John M. Kenney represents people in the Levittown area and elsewhere in Pennsylvania who have been charged with a wide range of offenses. Mr. Kenney is a skilled litigator and negotiator who works aggressively to help get charges dropped or reduced whenever possible. He is also a straight shooter who gives defendants an open and honest assessment of their cases from the outset so that they fully understand their rights and options.

Fighting Charges of Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime punishable by hefty fines and significant prison time in Pennsylvania and at the federal level. The charge generally refers to criminal behavior in which a person wrongfully obtains another person’s personal data, usually through some sort of fraud or deception. That information runs a broad gamut, including photos, Social Security numbers, checking account numbers, and electronic signatures. An identity thief then uses that data for financial or personal gain.

Penalties for identity theft vary under Pennsylvania law according to the value of the property obtained by using the stolen personal data. If the property is worth less than $2,000, the crime is treated as a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. The crime becomes a felony when the property obtained is worth $2,000 or more. Felony identity theft is punishable by up to seven years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. It is important to note that each time that a person uses stolen personal data to obtain property, it is treated as a separate offense. Anyone who is convicted of three or more offenses faces up to 10 years behind bars and up to $25,000 in fines for each subsequent offense.

There are a number of legal defenses that may be available to a person charged with identity theft. They include challenging whether the personal information was actually obtained by fraud or deception, as well as disputing whether it was used for financial gain. Since these are complicated matters that often require significant investigations, it is important to seek the counsel of an experienced identity theft attorney as soon as you become aware that you might be charged with this offense.

Enlist a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bucks County to Protect Your Rights

John M. Kenney has been aggressively fighting for clients in identity theft and other criminal cases since 1983. He thoroughly investigates each case to build the strongest possible defense for the people whom he represents. He understands the nuances of the state and federal identity theft laws, as well as the tactics that police and prosecutors often use to seek a conviction. Mr. Kenney keeps clients fully informed and involved in their cases, taking the time to understand each person’s circumstances and to explain their options as clearly as possible.

If you or a loved one is facing prosecution for identity theft, contact Bucks County criminal defense attorney John M. Kenney at (215) 547-3031 or use our online form to set up a free consultation. He can represent defendants in many Pennsylvania communities, including Bristol, Morrisville, Fairless Hills, Yardley, Langhorne, and Levittown. Mr. Kenney also is available to people who need a DUI attorney or assistance with fighting drug crimes, domestic violence, assault, theft, or other charges.