If you’re like the majority of people, you have no intention or desire to commit a crime. While you may drive over the speed limit every once in a while or you’ve littered a bit in the past, these are often considered negligible crimes. However, when the police knock on your door with a warrant for your arrest, you may be rightfully confused and scared. Unfortunately, you may be the victim of criminal identity theft. As such, if you’ve been arrested for a crime you did not commit, the most important thing you can do is connect with a Michigan identity theft lawyer to discuss your legal options. The following blog explores these matters in further detail.
What Is Criminal Identity Theft?
Criminal identity theft is a term used to describe a type of identity theft that occurs when someone commits a crime and provides personal information when caught as a means of avoiding responsibility. While many of these crimes are minor or petty infractions like theft or traffic tickets, you can face the consequences when you fail to pay a fine or appear in court. As such, the court can issue a warrant for your arrest, even though you aren’t the perpetrator. A criminal may also commit much more serious offenses in your name, leading to even larger issues.
While you may know that identity theft can wreak havoc on your life in terms of devastating your credit score and making it difficult to obtain loans, when used for crime, you can have a criminal record for offenses you did not commit. When potential employers or landlords run a background check on you, they may deny your application based on a criminal history you didn’t even know existed.
Do I Have Any Legal Options?
If you discover that your identity was used to commit a criminal offense, it’s critical to understand the importance of working with an attorney. Unfortunately, recovering from identity theft can be incredibly difficult, but working with an attorney can help ensure the necessary steps are taken to protect you during this process. Not only can your attorney help you reclaim your identity, but they may also be able to help show that you are not responsible for these crimes but are rather a victim of identity theft.
One of the most important things you can do is begin by filing a report through the Federal Trade Commission. This report can help provide you with additional steps to take to recover after identity theft and can be used as supplemental evidence when you file a police report.
When you need assistance after discovering that your identity has been compromised, the team at Lyngklip & Associates is ready to help. Our firm understands how overwhelming these matters can be, which is why we are committed to providing you with the best possible legal advice to help you during these complicated times. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
