A South Florida criminal defense attorney can explain that there are several variations of identity theft charges in the state.  A person may be charged with more than one crime in some instances.  Some of the charges that a South Florida criminal defense attorney defends against include:

Criminal Use of Personal Identical Information 

It is a criminal act in Florida to fraudulently use or intend to use someone else’s personal identifying information when the victim has not provided consent for him or her to use the information.  Identifying information includes a person’s social security number, date of birth, driver’s license number or other personal information that can be used to identify someone.  This crime is usually charged as a second degree felony if the value of the property obtained is worth more than $5,000 or if information from ten to 19 people was stolen.  The crime can be charged as a first degree felony is the property involved had a value of $50,000 or more or involved 20 or more victims.

Use of a Minor’s Personal Identification Number 

A separate crime exists for the unauthorized use of a minor’s personal identification number without the minor’s permission or without the parent’s permission.  However, this offense can also be charged against a parent who uses his or her own child’s personal identifying information without his or her consent.

Obtaining Property by False Personation 

This charge can arise when a defendant pretends to be another person.  This crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.  The actual charge depends on the value of the property involved.

Using Personal Identification Information to Harass 

It is a crime to use a person’s personal information to harass him or her.  This crime is considered a first degree misdemeanor.