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This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Karren Kenney following our comprehensive editorial guidelines Karren Kenney, the Founding Partner, has 30+ years of legal experience as a criminal defense attorney.
Karren Kenney is a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer who has honed her skills in representing clients charged with a variety of offenses, including identity theft. She has 20 years of courtroom experience and is proud of devoting her career to defending individuals rather than prosecuting them. Ms. Kenney has earned recognition as a tenacious professional who works closely with the people whom she serves to understand the details of their circumstances and their specific goals.
Identity theft can extend to a wide range of actions. In general, it occurs when an individual uses another person's identifying information in order to unlawfully obtain money, goods, property, services, or credit. There are many different types of identifying information, including a person's name, social security number, address, telephone number, driver's license number, employer, employee ID number, bank account number, or credit card number. Sometimes, moreover, a person who has been arrested for a crime may give someone else's name or identifying information. If that should happen, the defendant may face liability for not only the underlying offense but for an additional charge of “criminal identity theft.”
The laws of California make identity theft chargeable as either a misdemeanor or a felony. This means that, depending on the circumstances of your case, a conviction could result in significant penalties. They can start with a monetary fine or imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year, or both. When the situation is more serious, the penalties may become harsher. For example, if an individual faces multiple charges of identity theft or has been accused of selling somebody else's personal ID information, he or she may face a sentence in state prison. California laws also set out specific consequences for this offense when it concerns an elderly person or a person with a disability.
In addition to the penalties listed above, courts will also order restitution payments. Therefore, the consequences of an identity theft orange county conviction can seriously affect the rest of your life, even after your sentence expires.
If you are facing this type of charge, some of the most important things to understand are the prosecution's burden of proof and your possible defenses. To secure a conviction of identity theft, it must be shown beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant willfully acquired another person's personal identifying information and, without that individual's consent, used the information for an unlawful purpose. Obtaining personal identifying information with someone's consent or for a legitimate objective does not constitute identity theft. It is essential to have a skilled attorney who can identify potential defenses and explore ways to get your charges reduced or dropped.
Dedicated felony defense attorney Karren Kenney has the experience and qualifications to help Orange County defendants understand the charges against them and investigate their options. She will work tirelessly to stand up for your rights in court and in negotiations with the prosecution. Ms. Kenney has prevailed in numerous trials, securing several not guilty verdicts and dismissals. Based in Costa Mesa and San Diego, we serve residents in many Southern California communities. Call (714) 418-4261 or contact us today online for a free initial phone consultation.
