Last Updated on: 27th July 2023, 04:33 pm

Facing Identity Theft Charges in Brooklyn? How to Find the Best Attorney

Being accused of identity theft in Brooklyn can ruin your reputation and future. These cases require an aggressive lawyer intimately familiar with local courts and prosecutors. Here’s a comprehensive guide on identifying the best identity theft attorney for your case, smart questions to ask them, and why skilled representation is invaluable.

Common Identity Theft Charges in Brooklyn

Prosecutors may charge crimes like:

– Unauthorized Use of Personal Identifying Information
– Criminal Impersonation
– Forgery of Documents or Instruments
– Identity Theft
– Grand Larceny by Trick or Fraud
– Scheme to Defraud
– Credit/Debit Card Fraud

Charges often allege stealing personal information to open fraudulent accounts, make purchases, or commit tax fraud using someone’s identity.

Finding the Best Identity Theft Lawyer for Your Case

Because each case is unique and penalties are severe, retaining the best attorney is crucial. Here are top factors to evaluate prospective lawyers:

1. Specialized Experience Defending ID Theft Cases

Look for a lawyer intimately familiar with specific charges and strategies prosecutors use in Brooklyn identity theft cases. Avoid attorneys with little specific experience.

2. Familiarity with Brooklyn Courts and Judges

Brooklyn has dedicated identity theft courts. Find a lawyer who regularly appears before those judges. They will know the unwritten local rules and advantages.

3. Past Verdicts and Plea Results

Ask about their track record getting charges dropped, securing acquittals, and crafting plea bargains that avoid jail time in identity theft cases. Impressive past results indicate strong future performance.

4. Litigation Skills

While most cases plea bargain, make sure your lawyer has courtroom litigation experience, comfort with hearings and appeals, and ability to sway judges and juries.

5. Negotiation Strengths

Since over 90% of cases resolve via plea deals, choose an attorney who can negotiate firmly and strategically with Brooklyn prosecutors to get charges dismissed or reduced.

6. Resources to Build Your Defense

Proving innocence may require private investigators, forensic accountants, financial records, and technical expertise. Only retain lawyers able to spend on needed defense resources.

Questions to Ask Prospective Lawyers

Here are smart questions to ask lawyers you interview:

– How many years have you defended identity theft cases specifically in Brooklyn? What percentage of your caseload is identity crimes?

– What is your track record for getting charges reduced or completely dismissed prior to trial in Brooklyn?

– What types of plea bargains have you secured in past identity theft cases in Brooklyn courts?

– Are you willing to take my case all the way through trial and appeal if necessary?

– How will you investigate the prosecution’s claims and evidence to build the best defense?

– What legal motions are options in my case to limit evidence or get charges dropped?

– Will you personally try my case if it goes to court? What relevant litigation experience do you have?

– What relationships and connections do you have with Brooklyn judges and prosecutors?

– Realistically, what are the chances my case gets dismissed pre-trial based on the circumstances?

– What risks and possible penalties do I face if charges are not dismissed?

Get clear and direct responses that instill confidence in the lawyer’s skills and experience specifically defending identity theft in Brooklyn. Make sure they have resources to build the strongest case.

Why Retaining a Lawyer is Essential

Here are top reasons why legal representation is invaluable if you’re accused of identity theft:

1. Avoid Severe Penalties

From jail time to financial restitution, penalties can be severe. An attorney minimizes your sentencing exposure.

2. Complex Laws and Procedures

New York criminal law and court rules are challenging for non-lawyers. Let an expert build the best case.

3. Prosecutors Have Powerful Resources

Prosecutors have technology, investigators, and experience on their side. You need to level the playing field.

4. Plea Negotiation Advantage

Most cases end in plea bargains. A talented negotiator who knows the system is vital to get charges dropped or reduced.

5. Comfort Navigating the Court System

Presenting arguments in hearings and court requires skills most people lack. Depend on an experienced litigator.

6. Technicalities Win Cases

Leveraging technicalities like inadmissible evidence requires legal expertise. Don’t let a winnable case slip away.

7. Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Even simple missteps can tank your case. Let a legal pro safeguard you.

The risks and consequences of facing the legal system alone are immense. Engage an aggressive identity theft lawyer to protect your rights, apply their skills in your favor, seek charge dismissals or reductions, and obtain the most favorable outcome. Contact my office today to schedule a free case evaluation and start crafting your customized defense strategy.