Impersonation/Identity Theft

New Jersey Identity Theft

Criminal Defense Attorney

Being charged with Identity Theft or other related offenses can be stressful and overwhelming. A conviction for Forgery can have devastating consequences including jail or prison time. It can also impact employment, housing, finances, education, reputation, and relationships. Because of this, it is crucial to have an experienced, skilled, and aggressive attorney by your side.

Ms. Denholtz is a fierce criminal defense trial attorney with over a decade of experience. Ms. Denholtz offers relentless advocacy, strategic defense, and exceptional service to clients accused of Identity Theft and other related offenses. With a proven track record of success, Ms. Denholtz has handled approximately 1,500 felony-level cases to conclusion.

Ms. Denholtz handles her cases with exacting attention to detail and works tirelessly to ensure her clients receive the best possible outcome for their individualized situation. At Denholtz Criminal Defense, you can trust that your case will receive the meticulous attention and tireless advocacy it deserves. If you or a loved one are facing Identity Theft or other related charges, Ms. Denholtz is ready to fight for you. Contact Denholtz Criminal Defense today for your FREE consultation: (862) 842-0811 or Tracy@DenholtzCriminalDefense.com.

Impersonation / Identity Theft

(N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17)

Impersonation / Identity Theft: A person is guilty of a crime if the person engages in one or more of the following actions by any means including, but not limited to, the use of electronic communications or an Internet website:

Impersonates Another to Benefit Self or Injure or Defraud Another: Impersonates another or assumes a false identity and does an act in such assumed character or false identity for the purpose of obtaining a benefit for himself or another or to injure or defraud another.

Impersonates a Representative of a Person or Organization for Personal Benefit or to Injure or Defraud Another: Pretends to be a representative of some person or organization and does an act in such pretended capacity for the purpose of obtaining a benefit for himself or another or to injure or defraud another.

Impersonates Another to Obtain Services: Impersonates another, assumes a false identity or makes a false or misleading statement regarding the identity of any person, in an oral or written application for services, for the purpose of obtaining services.

Assumes Another’s Identity to Obtain Benefit, Services, or to Avoid Legal Consequences: Obtains any personal identifying information pertaining to another person and uses that information, or assists another person in using the information, in order to assume the identity of or represent himself as another person, without that person's authorization and with the purpose to fraudulently obtain or attempt to obtain a benefit or services, or avoid the payment of debt or other legal obligation or avoid prosecution for a crime by using the name of the other person.

Impersonates Another to Avoid Paying for Services: Impersonates another, assumes a false identity or makes a false or misleading statement, in the course of making an oral or written application for services, with the purpose of avoiding payment for prior services. Purpose to avoid payment for prior services may be presumed upon proof that the person has not made full payment for prior services and has impersonated another, assumed a false identity or made a false or misleading statement regarding the identity of any person in the course of making oral or written application for services.

“Benefit”: "Benefit" means, but is not limited to, any property, any pecuniary amount, any services, any pecuniary amount sought to be avoided or any injury or harm perpetrated on another where there is no pecuniary value.

Grading of Impersonation and Identity Theft Offenses

2nd Degree Offense: If the actor obtains a benefit or deprives another of a benefit in the amount of $75,000 or more, or the offense involves the identity of five or more victims, the actor shall be guilty of a crime of the 2nd degree. A 2nd degree offense is punishable by up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.

3rd Degree Offense: If the actor obtains a benefit or deprives another of a benefit in an amount of at least $500 but less than $75,000, or the offense involves the identity of at least two but less than five victims, the actor shall be guilty of a crime of the 3rd degree. If the actor is convicted of a 2nd or subsequent offense then it is a crime in the 3rd degree. A 3rd degree offense is punishable by up to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.

4th Degree Offense: If the actor obtains a benefit or deprives another of a benefit in an amount less than $500 and the offense involves the identity of one victim, the actor shall be guilty of a crime of the 4th degree, which is punishable by up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.

Use of Personal Identifying Information of Another (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17.2)

Use of Personal Identifying Information of Another: A person is guilty of a crime if, in obtaining or attempting to obtain a driver's license, birth certificate or other document issued by a governmental agency which could be used as a means of verifying a person's identity, age or any other personal identifying information, that person knowingly exhibits, displays or utters a document or other writing which falsely purports to be a driver's license, birth certificate or other document issued by a governmental agency or which belongs or pertains to a person other than the person who possesses the document.

2nd Degree Offense: Use of personal identifying information of another is a crime of the 2nd degree which is punishable by up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.

No Merger of Offenses: A conviction for using personal identifying information of another shall not merge with a conviction of any other criminal offense and the court shall impose separate sentences for each violation under this statute and for any other criminal offense.

Contact a New Jersey Identity Theft

Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, it is crucial to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Denholtz Criminal Defense, we understand the stakes involved and are committed to providing you with skilled, aggressive, and personalized legal representation. No matter what the allegations, Ms. Denholtz will provide an honest and detailed evaluation of your case, outline the best legal options available, and craft a defense strategy designed to achieve the best possible result for your unique situation. Contact Denholtz Criminal Defense today for your free consultation: (862) 842-0811 or Tracy@DenholtzCriminalDefense.com.