If you are caught in Weld County using someone else’s identity to commit a crime, avoid trouble, obtain financial gain, or harm the person you are Impersonating, you could be charged with Criminal Impersonation. Our affordable Fraud and Forgery lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office share below what you need to know about Criminal Impersonation (also known as False Impersonation). Let’s talk about how to get the best outcome in your case if you are facing these charges in Greeley or Weld County.
The Definition of Criminal Impersonation, C.R.S. 18-5-113, in Greeley, Colorado
In Greeley, the legal definition of Criminal Impersonation, C.R.S. 18-5-113, is:
(a) Assumes a false or fictitious identity or legal capacity, and in such identity or capacity he or she:
(I) Marries, or pretends to marry, or to sustain the marriage relation toward another without the connivance of the latter;
(II) Becomes bail or surety for a party in an action or proceeding, civil or criminal, before a court or officer authorized to take the bail or surety; or
(III) Confesses a judgment, or subscribes, verifies, publishes, acknowledges, or proves a written instrument which by law may be recorded, with the intent that the same may be delivered as true; or
(b) Assumes a false or fictitious identity or capacity, legal or other, and in such identity or capacity he or she:
(I) Performs an act that, if done by the person falsely impersonated, subjects such person to an action or special proceeding, civil or criminal, or to liability, charge, forfeiture, or penalty;
(II) Performs an act that, if done by the person falsely impersonated, might subject the person to an action or special proceeding, civil or criminal, or to liability, charge, forfeiture, or penalty; or
(III) Performs any other act with intent to unlawfully gain a benefit for himself, herself, or another or to injure or defraud another.
What are Examples of False Impersonation or Criminal Impersonation in Weld County?
If you seek some benefit for yourself or intend to harm another by False Impersonation or Criminal Impersonation in Weld County, then you can be criminally charged. So, what does this mean? It means doing certain acts while pretending to be someone else can have you facing time in jail or prison. A few examples of False Impersonation or Criminal Impersonation are:
- Using a friend’s ID to open a store credit card and then causing that friend to go into debt.
- Posting bail for your brother but pretending to do it in your dad’s name.
- Giving a false name and ID after being caught shoplifting.
- Creating a deed transferring ownership to some land which you don’t own, in order to get money from the sale
It is important to understand that to be charged with False Impersonation or Criminal Impersonation in Weld County, you need to have both assumed a false identity and also acted with the intent to unlawfully gain a benefit or to defraud another.
What are the Sentences and Penalties for a Criminal Impersonation Conviction in Erie and Windsor, Colorado?
In Erie and Windsor, Colorado, Criminal Impersonation can be sentenced as a class 2 misdemeanor, a class 3 misdemeanor, or a class 6 felony. Criminal Impersonation is a class 2 misdemeanor if the defendant assumes a false identity to perform any other act with the intent to unlawfully gain a benefit or to injure or defraud another. A class 2 misdemeanor penalties can be up to 120 days in the Weld County Jail, and/or up to $750 in fines. A class 1 misdemeanor is the sentence if it is proven that the defendant assumed a false or fictitious identity and did something that could subject the victim to a liability. The penalties for a class 1 misdemeanor are up to 364 days in jail, and/or up to $1,000 in fines. Lastly, a class 6 felony conviction can happen if it is proven that the defendant got married, confessed to a judgement, became bail or surety for someone, or subjected another to a liability while knowingly assuming a false or fictitious identity. A class 6 felony has the most severe penalties of 1 year to 18 months in a Colorado State Prison, and/or $1,000 to $100,000 in fines, plus 1 year of mandatory parole.
Why Hire an Affordable Fraud and Forgery Lawyer in Weld County?
The affordable lawyers at the O’Malley Law Office have over 30 years of experience in Fraud and Forgery cases, including Criminal Impersonation. We understand that sometimes a joke of dressing up or pretending to be someone can happen. We also know that sometimes our clients feel like they have no other choice than to give a false identity. We can help you with your case and get you the best outcome possible, whether that be dismissal or a plea deal. Let us share our experience for your benefit.