Defense Lawyer For Impersonation; Theft Of Identity (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17)
New Jersey takes an extremely tough stance when it comes to identity theft and related conduct.
Under Impersonation; Theft of Identity (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17), a variety of actions are specifically criminalized, including:
- Impersonating another or using a false identity to obtain a benefit or to injure or defraud another;
- Falsely representing another person or an organization in order to obtain a benefit or injure or defraud another;
- Impersonating another, using a false identity, or making false or misleading statements about another in an application for services or in order to obtain services;
- Obtaining and using personal identifying information about another in order to fraudulently obtain services, avoid debts, or avoid prosecution;
- Impersonating another or using a false identity in an application for services in order to avoid paying for past services.
Any charge filed under this section is an indictable offense, which is comparable to a felony in other states, so conviction means you’ll carry a felony record.
For small time impersonation cases, where the benefit is less than $500, you’ll be charged with a crime of the fourth degree and face up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
If you derived a benefit in excess of $75,000, you’ll face a second degree charge and risk five to ten years in prison, with a fine of $150,000.
Identity theft is reaching epidemic proportions in New Jersey, and prosecutors are prepared to take these cases as far as they can go.
If you’ve been charged with impersonation or theft of identity, get help right away. Call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 for a free consultation.