Identity theft on a computer

Identity theft is a prevalent and serious crime in today’s digital age, where personal information is frequently exchanged online. In New York, the law takes identity theft seriously, categorizing it into various degrees based on the severity of the offense. If you have been accused of identity theft in Long Island or New York, contact our criminal defense attorney today.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft involves the unauthorized use of another person’s personal information to commit fraud or other crimes. This personal information can include names, Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or credit card details. The intent is typically to gain financial advantage, obtain goods or services, or cause financial harm to the victim.

Degrees of Identity Theft in New York

New York State classifies identity theft into three degrees, each reflecting the severity and impact of the crime.

Identity Theft in the Third Degree

This is the least severe form of identity theft under New York law, classified as a Class A misdemeanor. It involves assuming another person’s identity to obtain goods, services, or other benefits or to cause financial harm, resulting in losses of no more than $500.

Identity Theft in the Second Degree

Classified as a Class E felony, this degree of identity theft occurs when an individual causes financial losses over $500 to the victim. It also includes situations where the perpetrator commits identity theft while having a prior conviction of the same crime within the past five years.

Identity Theft in the First Degree

The most serious form of identity theft is classified as a Class D felony. It involves causing financial losses exceeding $2,000 to the victim or committing the crime while also committing or attempting to commit a felony.

Unlawful Possession of Personal Information in New York

In New York, the unlawful possession of personal information is a crime that addresses the unauthorized control over another person’s sensitive and private data. This law is designed to protect individuals from identity theft and fraud. The types of personal information covered under this law are comprehensive and include:

  • Financial Services Account Number or Code: This includes any number or code used to access, identify, or manage a financial service account.
  • Savings Account Number or Code: Numbers or codes specific to an individual’s savings account.
  • Checking Account Number or Code: Similar to savings accounts, this pertains to the numbers or codes for checking accounts.
  • Brokerage Account Number or Code: Identifying information for accounts held with brokerage firms.
  • Credit or Debit Card Account Number or Code: The numbers or security codes associated with credit or debit cards.
  • Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) Number or Code: PINs or other codes used for ATM transactions.
  • Personal Identification Number (PIN): This is a unique number assigned to an individual to verify their identity in various transactions.
  • Mother’s Maiden Name: Often used as a security question, a mother’s maiden name can be a target for identity thieves.
  • Computer System Password: Passwords that protect access to personal or corporate computer systems.
  • Electronic Signature: Digitally created signatures used for authorizing or verifying electronic documents.
  • Unique Biometric Data: This includes fingerprints, voice prints, or retinal images used for identification.
  • Iris Image: The unique patterns in an individual’s iris can be used for biometric identification.

The unlawful possession of such personal identification information in New York can lead to serious legal consequences. The law classifies the crime in three degrees, each dependent on the amount of information possessed and the intent behind its possession.

Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification Information in the Third Degree

This misdemeanor offense involves knowingly possessing another person’s personal identifying information without lawful authority with the intent to commit identity theft or fraud.

The penalties for a conviction may include:

  • Up to 1 year of imprisonment.
  • Probation for a period of up to 3 years.
  • A split sentence combining up to 6 months in jail with probation.
  • A straight conditional discharge involves specific conditions but no jail time.

Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification Information in the Second Degree

A felony offense involves possessing the personal information of five or more different people with the intent to commit identity theft or fraud. This degree of offense can result in:

  • 1 to 3 years of imprisonment.
  • Probation for 3, 4, or 5 years.
  • A split sentence of up to 6 months in jail followed by probation.
  • A straight conditional discharge under certain circumstances.

Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification Information in the First Degree

The most serious form of unlawful possession, this felony involves possessing personal information of 20 or more individuals, or possession with the intent to cause losses of over $500. The penalties can include:

  • 2 to 7 years of imprisonment.
  • Probation for 3, 4, or 5 years.
  • A split sentence of up to 6 months in jail followed by probation.
  • A straight conditional discharge in certain cases.

Understanding the nuances of these laws and the serious nature of the offenses underscores the importance of legal guidance if faced with such charges. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the complexities of these cases.

Unlawful Possession of Skimmer Devices in New York

New York law also penalizes the possession of skimmer devices — tools used to unlawfully capture and store personal identification data from credit cards and other sources. Possession of such devices with the intent to use them for fraudulent purposes is a criminal offense.

How a New York Identity Theft Attorney Can Help You

Facing identity theft charges can be daunting. A skilled New York identity theft attorney can provide essential legal guidance, representation, and support. We will work to understand the specifics of your case, explore possible defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and aim to secure the best possible outcome given the circumstances.

Michael A. Arbeit, P.C Helps Those Accused of Identity Theft in New York

If you or someone you know is accused of identity theft in New York, Michael A. Arbeit, P.C. can offer the legal expertise and defense you need. With a deep understanding of New York’s identity theft laws and a commitment to defending your rights, Michael A. Arbeit, P.C. provides dedicated legal representation aimed at protecting your future and reputation. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

S 190.77 Offenses involving theft of identity; definitions.

  1.  For  the  purposes of sections 190.78, 190.79, 190.80 and 190.80-a
and 190.85 of this article “personal identifying  information”  means  a
person’s  name,  address,  telephone  number,  date  of  birth, driver’s
license number, social security number, place  of  employment,  mother’s
maiden  name, financial services account number or code, savings account
number or code, checking  account  number  or  code,  brokerage  account
number or code, credit card account number or code, debit card number or
code,  automated  teller machine number or code, taxpayer identification
number, computer system password, signature  or  copy  of  a  signature,
electronic signature, unique biometric data that is a fingerprint, voice
print,  retinal image or iris image of another person, telephone calling
card number, mobile identification number  or  code,  electronic  serial
number  or  personal  identification  number, or any other name, number,
code or information that may be used alone or in conjunction with  other
such information to assume the identity of another person.
  2.  For  the  purposes  of  sections 190.78, 190.79, 190.80, 190.80-a,
190.81, 190.82, and 190.83 of this article:
  a. “electronic signature” shall have the same meaning  as  defined  in
subdivision  three  of section three hundred two of the state technology
law.
  b. “personal identification number” means any number or code which may
be used alone or in conjunction with any other information to assume the
identity of another person or access financial resources  or  credit  of
another person.
  c. “member  of  the armed forces” shall mean a person in the military
service of the United States or  the  military  service  of  the  state,
including but not limited to, the armed forces of the United States, the
army national guard, the air national guard, the New York naval militia,
the  New York guard, and such additional forces as may be created by the
federal or state government as authorized by law.

S 190.78 Identity theft in the third degree.

  A person is guilty of identity theft in the third degree when he or
she knowingly and with intent to defraud assumes the identity of another
person by presenting himself or herself as that other person, or by
acting as that other person or by using personal identifying information
of that other person, and thereby:
  1. obtains goods, money, property or services or uses credit in the
name of such other person or causes financial loss to such person or to
another person or persons; or
  2. commits a class A misdemeanor or higher level crime.
  Identity theft in the third degree is a class A misdemeanor.

S 190.79 Identity theft in the second degree.

  A  person  is guilty of identify theft in the second degree when he or
  she knowingly and with intent to defraud assumes the identity of another
  person by presenting himself or herself as  that  other  person,  or  by
  acting as that other person or by using personal identifying information
  of that other person, and thereby:
    1.  obtains  goods,  money, property or services or uses credit in the
  name of such other person in  an  aggregate  amount  that  exceeds  five
  hundred dollars; or
    2.  causes  financial  loss  to  such  person  or to another person or
  persons in an aggregate amount that exceeds five hundred dollars; or
    3. commits or attempts to commit a felony or acts as an  accessory  to
  the commission of a felony; or
    4.  commits the crime of identity theft in the third degree as defined
  in section 190.78 of this article  and  has  been  previously  convicted
  within  the  last  five  years  of identity theft in the third degree as
  defined in section 190.78,  identity  theft  in  the  second  degree  as
  defined  in  this section, identity theft in the first degree as defined
  in  section  190.80,  unlawful  possession  of  personal  identification
  information  in  the third degree as defined in section 190.81, unlawful
  possession of personal identification information in the  second  degree
  as   defined   in   section  190.82,  unlawful  possession  of  personal
  identification information in the first degree  as  defined  in  section
  190.83,  unlawful possession of a skimmer device in the second degree as
  defined in section 190.85, unlawful possession of a  skimmer  device  in
  the  first  degree  as  defined  in section 190.86, grand larceny in the
  fourth degree as defined in section 155.30, grand larceny in  the  third
  degree  as defined in section 155.35, grand larceny in the second degree
  as defined in section 155.40 or grand larceny in  the  first  degree  as
  defined in section 155.42 of this chapter.
  Identity theft in the second degree is a class E felony.

S 190.80 Identity theft in the first degree.

  A  person  is  guilty of identity theft in the first degree when he or
  she knowingly and with intent to defraud assumes the identity of another
  person by presenting himself or herself as  that  other  person,  or  by
  acting as that other person or by using personal identifying information
  of that other person, and thereby:
    1.  obtains  goods,  money, property or services or uses credit in the
  name of such other person  in  an  aggregate  amount  that  exceeds  two
  thousand dollars; or
    2.  causes  financial  loss  to  such  person  or to another person or
  persons in an aggregate amount that exceeds two thousand dollars; or
    3. commits or attempts to commit a class  D  felony  or  higher  level
  crime  or  acts as an accessory in the commission of a class D or higher
  level felony; or
    4. commits the crime of identity theft in the second degree as defined
  in section 190.79 of this article  and  has  been  previously  convicted
  within  the  last  five  years  of identity theft in the third degree as
  defined in section 190.78,  identity  theft  in  the  second  degree  as
  defined in section 190.79, identity theft in the first degree as defined
  in   this   section,  unlawful  possession  of  personal  identification
  information in the third degree as defined in section  190.81,  unlawful
  possession  of  personal identification information in the second degree
  as  defined  in  section  190.82,  unlawful   possession   of   personal
  identification  information  in  the  first degree as defined in section
  190.83, unlawful possession of a skimmer device in the second degree  as
  defined  in  section  190.85, unlawful possession of a skimmer device in
  the first degree as defined in section  190.86,  grand  larceny  in  the
  fourth  degree  as defined in section 155.30, grand larceny in the third
  degree as defined in section 155.35, grand larceny in the second  degree
  as  defined  in  section  155.40 or grand larceny in the first degree as
  defined in section 155.42 of this chapter.
  Identity theft in the first degree is a class D felony.

S 190.80-a Aggravated identity theft.

  A  person  is  guilty  of  aggravated  identity  theft  when he or she
knowingly and with intent to defraud assumes  the  identity  of  another
person  by  presenting  himself  or  herself as that other person, or by
acting as that other person or by using personal identifying information
of that other person, and knows that such person  is  a  member  of  the
armed  forces,  and knows that such member is presently deployed outside
of the continental United States and:
  1. thereby obtains goods, money, property or services or  uses  credit
in  the  name  of such member of the armed forces in an aggregate amount
that exceeds five hundred dollars; or
  2. thereby causes financial loss to such member of the armed forces in
an aggregate amount that exceeds five hundred dollars.
    Aggravated identity theft is a class D felony.

S 190.81 Unlawful possession of personal identification information in the third degree.

  A person is guilty of unlawful possession of personal identification
information in the third degree when he or she knowingly possesses a
person`s financial services account number or code, savings account
number or code, checking account number or code, brokerage account
number or code, credit card account number or code, debit card number or
code, automated teller machine number or code, personal identification
number, mother`s maiden name, computer system password, electronic
signature or unique biometric data that is a fingerprint, voice print,
retinal image or iris image of another person knowing such information
is intended to be used in furtherance of the commission of a crime
defined in this chapter.
  Unlawful possession of personal identification information in the
third degree is a class A misdemeanor.

S 190.82 Unlawful possession of personal identification information in the second degree.

  A person is guilty of unlawful possession of personal identification
information in the second degree when he or she knowingly possesses two
hundred fifty or more items of personal identification information of
the following nature: a person`s financial services account number or
code, savings account number or code, checking account number or code,
brokerage account number or code, credit card account number or code,
debit card number or code, automated teller machine number or code,
personal identification number, mother`s maiden name, computer system
password, electronic signature or unique biometric data that is a
fingerprint, voice print, retinal image or iris image of another person
knowing such information is intended to be used in furtherance of the
commission of a crime defined in this chapter.
  Unlawful possession of personal identification information in the
second degree is a class E felony.

S 190.83 Unlawful possession of personal identification information in the first degree.

A person is guilty of unlawful possession of  personal  identification
  information  in  the  first  degree  when he or she commits the crime of
  unlawful possession of personal identification information in the second
  degree and:
    1. with intent to further the commission  of  identity  theft  in  the
  second degree, he or she supervises more than three accomplices; or
    2.  he or she has been previously convicted within the last five years
  of identity theft in the third degree  as  defined  in  section  190.78,
  identity  theft  in  the  second  degree  as  defined in section 190.79,
  identity theft in  the  first  degree  as  defined  in  section  190.80,
  unlawful  possession of personal identification information in the third
  degree as defined in section 190.81,  unlawful  possession  of  personal
  identification  information  in  the second degree as defined in section
  190.82, unlawful possession of personal  identification  information  in
  the  first  degree  as defined in this section, unlawful possession of a
  skimmer device in the  second  degree  as  defined  in  section  190.85,
  unlawful  possession  of a skimmer device in the first degree as defined
  in section 190.86, grand larceny in the  fourth  degree  as  defined  in
  section  155.30, grand larceny in the third degree as defined in section
  155.35, grand larceny in the second degree as defined in section  155.40
  or  grand  larceny  in  the first degree as defined in section 155.42 of
  this chapter; or
    3. with intent to further the commission  of  identity  theft  in  the
  second degree:
    (a) he or she supervises more than two accomplices, and
    (b)  he  or  she  knows  that the person whose personal identification
  information that he or she possesses is a member of  the  armed  forces,
  and
    (c)  he or she knows that such member of the armed forces is presently
  deployed outside of the continental United States.
  Unlawful possession of  personal  identification  information  in  the
  first degree is a class D felony.

S 190.84 Defenses.

  In any prosecution for identity theft or unlawful possession of
personal identification information pursuant to this article, it shall
be an affirmative defense that the person charged with the offense:
  1. was under twenty-one years of age at the time of committing the
offense and the person used or possessed the personal identifying or
identification information of another solely for the purpose of
purchasing alcohol;
  2. was under eighteen years of age at the time of committing the
offense and the person used or possessed the personal identifying or
identification information of another solely for the purpose of
purchasing tobacco products; or
  3. used or possessed the personal identifying or identification
information of another person solely for the purpose of misrepresenting
the person`s age to gain access to a place the access to which is
restricted based on age.