The punishment for identity theft in Wisconsin is harsh if you’re convicted – and for most people, it makes sense to work with a Milwaukee identity theft defense attorney who can help sort out the case and develop an effective defense strategy.
What is the Punishment for Identity Theft?
The punishment for identity theft in Wisconsin is up to 6 years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. It’s a Class H felony under Wisconsin law.
What Do You Have to Do to Be Charged With Identity Theft in Wisconsin?
Identity theft is defined as using or attempting to use – or even possessing – someone else’s personal identifying information without consent to obtain:
- Credit
- Money
- Goods
- Services
- Employment
- Anything else of value or that benefits the person using someone else’s identifying information
You can also be charged with identity theft if you use someone else’s identifying information to avoid criminal penalties or civil processes, or if you use it to harm that person or his or her reputation, property or estate.
The person doesn’t have to be alive, either; if you use a deceased person’s information for gain, you could be charged with and found guilty of identity theft.
Punishment for Identity Theft: Do You Need a Lawyer?
If you’ve been charged with identity theft, you may benefit from talking to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. In fact, if you believe you’re about to be charged with identity theft and you haven’t been arraigned yet, it’s a good time to get in touch with a lawyer.
Contact us at 414-383-6700 if you or someone you care about has been arrested on suspicion of identity theft. Tell us what happened and we’ll begin developing a defense strategy that gets you the best possible outcome right away.
