Using someone else’s credit card without permission is charged as Identity Theft in Castle Rock and Douglas County. But what about if you were actually given the credit card? That’s the situation one woman is in, as she used the credit cards belonging to her boss to make personal purchases. According to the report, she charged $514,000 in personal transactions, including maid service for her home, clothes, plane tickets, and preschool tuition. Even though you may have permission to use the card, it is with the understanding that the purchases will be business related or within the parameters provided by the card owner. Using the card beyond what you have been authorized to do can result in these charges.

Douglas County Identity Theft Lawyer: Definition of Identity Theft

The Douglas County, Colorado definition of Identity Theft, as it relates to the case above – C.R.S. 18-5-902 – is:

“

(1) A person commits identity theft if he or she:

(a) Knowingly uses the personal identifying information, financial identifying information, or financial device of another without permission or lawful authority with the intent to obtain cash, credit, property, services, or any other thing of value or to make a financial payment”

Without permission or lawful authority is key. It is obvious when you use someone’s credit card or personal information for financial gain without permission that it is a crime. But, if someone gives you their credit card to get gas and you then use it to pay all your bills, then you used the card without lawful authority, which is a crime.

Sentence for Identity Theft in Highlands Ranch and Parker

Identity Theft is a class 4 felony in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Parker. This level felony is punishable by 2 to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $500,000 in fines. This would not include restitution, which is what the victim requests to make up for their financial loss due to the crime.

If you or someone you love has been charged with, arrested for, or accused of Identity Theft, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 303-265-1950 to schedule a free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.

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