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Milwaukee Identity Theft Defense Attorneys
Milwaukee Criminal Defense Lawyers for Charges of Internet Fraud and Illegally Accessing Data
Because so many people, companies, and organizations store information online or in computer systems that can be accessed remotely, there are a variety of situations where data may be released to the public or accessed without authorization. This may lead to claims that a person has illegally accessed other people's information and used it to commit identity theft or other forms of fraud. The criminal charges in these cases can be very serious, and a person who is facing these types of accusations will need to determine their best options for defense. They can do so by working with an attorney who has experience in cases involving computer crimes and data breaches.
Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP offers legal help in a wide variety of criminal cases, and we work to protect the rights of defendants and help them understand their options as they respond to accusations that they have illegally used someone else's personal or financial information. We make sure our clients understand the offenses they are accused of committing and the laws that affect their case. Our lawyers work together to help defendants build effective defense strategies and resolve criminal cases successfully.
Identity Theft and Computer Fraud Charges in Wisconsin
Wisconsin law prohibits the unauthorized use of someone else's personal identifying information, which may include their name, address, phone number, driver's license number, Social Security number, bank account numbers, or biometric data such as fingerprints or DNA profiles. A person may face criminal charges of identity theft if they are accused of using someone's personal identifying information to obtain something of value or to cause harm to the person's reputation or property. Identity theft may include:
- Using someone's Social Security number to apply for a credit card
- Applying for a loan by providing someone else's name, address, and other identifying information
- Accessing a person's bank account using information such as their mother's maiden name and transferring money to someone else
- Impersonating someone online, such as by making posts in their name on social media, with the intent of damaging their reputation
Identity theft is a Class H felony in Wisconsin. A person who is convicted may be sentenced to up to six years in prison, fined up to $10,000, or both.
A person who is accused of illegally accessing or using someone else's information may also face other types of criminal charges. Accessing, taking possession of, or copying data stored on a computer system or network without authorization is a Class I felony if a person intends to defraud someone or obtain money or property. A conviction may result in a prison sentence of up to 3.5 years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
A person may also be charged with fraud if they use someone's information to obtain money or property without their authorization. When internet fraud involves a financial institution, including obtaining money that was in the control of a bank through identity theft or other false pretenses, felony charges will apply if the value of funds or credit is $500 or more. More serious felony charges will apply for higher amounts, up to a Class E felony in cases involving more than $100,000. A Class E felony conviction may result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years, a fine of up to $50,000, or both.
Contact Our Milwaukee Computer Fraud Defense Lawyers
Charges of identity theft or internet fraud should be taken very seriously, since a conviction can have severe consequences. Our firm understands how Wisconsin's laws address these issues, and we can help defendants respond to accusations and defend against criminal charges. To learn how we can help you create a winning defense strategy, contact us by calling 414-271-1440.
