Texas Identity Theft Laws

The crime of identity theft includes obtaining, possessing, or using the identity of another individual -- regardless of whether they are living or dead and regardless of their age (infant, minor, adult or elderly) -- with the intent to harm or defraud someone. Under the law, the defendant will be presumed to have had the intent to harm or defraud another person if he or she possesses the identifying information of three or more people, living or dead.

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• Lack of intent to deceive or harm another individual
• Mistake of fact (e.g. the defendant did not obtain or possess the identity of another individual)
• Age (Minors may receive lighter punishments under the law if convicted.)

The crime of identity theft is a felony. The severity of the felony depends on how many items were obtained, possessed or transferred by the defendant:

• If the number of items is less than five, the penalty is a state jail felony, which carries a sentence of 180 days to two years in a state prison and/or a fine of no more than $10,000.
• If the number of items is between five and nine, the penalty is a third degree felony, which carries a sentence of two to ten years in a state prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
• If the number of items is between ten and forty-nine, the penalty is a second degree felony, which carries a sentence of two to twenty years in a state prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
• If the number of items is fifty or more, the penalty is a first degree felony, which carries a sentence of five to ninety-nine years in a state prison and/or a sentence of up to $10,000.