Every day, law-abiding citizens become victims of identity theft. Modern day identity thieves can ruin their victimsâ credit, steal their hard-earned money, and make them scared of unexpected identity issues in the future. Alabamaâs legislators have addressed this issue by enacting the Consumer Identity Protection Act in 2001.
The following table describes Alabamaâs main identity theft laws.
Code Sections | Alabama Code Title 13A: Criminal Code, Chapter 8: Offenses Involving Theft, Article 10: The Consumer Identity Protection Act |
What is Prohibited? | Alabama law prohibits any of the following:
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Penalty | Alabama criminal penalties depend on the felony classification, from A, at the highest, to C, at the lowest. The above crimes are subject to the following punishment:
Offenders will also have to make restitution or pay back any victims for their financial losses, including the costs of correcting the victimâs credit reports or paid in proceedings to get rid of debts or liens that were caused by the theft. Also, defendants will have to pay $25 per day for time spent in jail or prison. |
Defenses | The identity theft criminal statute doesnât apply to minors who were just trying to get privileges denied to minors, namely, using another personâs ID to get into a bar or purchase cigarettes or alcohol. Other defenses include innocence or lack of intent, such as when you thought you had permission from your family member to buy groceries using his or her debit card. |
Help for Victims | If youâve been harmed by identity theft, you should immediately report the theft to your local police department or to the Attorney Generalâs office. Civil Lawsuit Alabama law permits civil lawsuits for harms caused by identity theft. The victim can recover either $5,000 or 3 times his or her actual losses, whichever is greater, as well as attorney fees and court costs. To sue the wrongdoer to get compensation for your losses, contact an Alabama consumer protection attorney. Identification Reissuance Additionally, your state, county, or municipal identification documents will be reissued at no charge, although a police report may be required to not be charged. |
Getting Legal Help for Accused Perpetrators | If you or a loved one are facing identity theft-related criminal charges, you should contact an experienced Alabama criminal defense attorney immediately. |
Note: State laws change frequently, itâs best to conduct your own legal research to verify any laws youâre researching.
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