Legal Support for Identity Theft in Carrollton, OH

The legal experts at Youngstown Criminal Law Group are fully dedicated to defending individuals facing allegations of identity theft and other theft or fraud-related charges. These offenses, as outlined in Chapter 2913 of Ohio law, include identity theft, a serious crime covered under Ohio R.C. Section 2913.49. Many defendants claim they acted with proper intentions, using information for legitimate purposes, while others argue additional credible defenses.

If you have been charged with identity theft in Carrollton or the surrounding areas in Carroll County, Ohio, you can rely on the experienced team of Carrollton OVI lawyers at Youngstown Criminal Law Group. We are prepared to assist you in facing these accusations directly. Benefit from our extensive legal experience—call (330) 992-3036 today for a free consultation.

Fundamental Elements of Identity Theft Violations in Ohio

The offense of identity theft is explicitly defined under R.C. Section 2913.49. To understand the legal framework, these key components are essential:

• No Consent: Engaging in activities involving another individual’s personal identifying information without their explicit or implied consent.
• Misuse of Information: Actions such as using, obtaining, or retaining someone’s identifying information.
• Intent to Deceive: Using the information to impersonate the individual or present their credentials as one’s own.

Additionally, subsection 2913.49(B) clarifies:

• Possession of Personal Data: Creating, acquiring, holding, or using someone else’s personal identifiers.
• Facilitating Misuse: Assisting another individual in misusing the personal details.
• Aiding Impersonation: Helping another person impersonate the victim without authorization.

For offenses committed after September 30, 2011, the jury receives specific guidelines as stipulated in CR 513.49. The latest updates were made on January 21, 2012.

Understanding Definitions within Ohio’s Identity Theft Legislation

Ohio’s statutes, specifically R.C. 2913.49(C), define a “third person” as any individual other than the defendant or the victim involved. This categorization plays a significant role in determining cases of identity theft. Furthermore, using someone else’s identifying details with the intent to deceive is considered a violation of the law.

R.C. 2913.49(D) further specifies that, although permission may sometimes be granted, any unauthorized possession, acquisition, or employment of another individual’s personal identifiers for fraudulent purposes—be it to counterfeit their identity or use their details—is strictly illegal.

If the issue of consent arises in litigation, courts may assess whether the victim was capable of giving informed consent. This could include evaluating whether the individual understood their decisions or had the ability to make sound judgments regarding their personal identifiers or assets.

Valuation Criteria in Cases of Identity Theft

The penalties for identity theft largely depend on the monetary value of assets, services, or credits obtained—or attempted to be obtained—by the defendant. Additionally, charges may escalate to more severe felony levels if the victim is a senior citizen or disabled adult, as outlined in R.C. 2913.49(I).

The valuation in these cases may include aggregate amounts under R.C. 2913.49(H)(1). Sanction levels are determined based on specific financial brackets:

• Under $1,000
• Between $1,000 and $7,500
• Between $7,500 and $150,000
• $150,000 or more

Seeking an Experienced Identity Theft Lawyer in Carrollton

Facing identity theft charges in Carrollton or Carroll County, Ohio, can be overwhelming, but the knowledgeable attorneys at Youngstown Criminal Law Group are here to help. Offering a portfolio of strong white-collar and financial crime defense, our Carrollton criminal lawyers specialize in cases involving unauthorized property use, credit card misuse, fraudulent documents, record tampering, and more.

Take the first step toward resolving your case by contacting our office for a complimentary consultation. Call (330) 992-3036 today to put our expertise to work for you.