Aggravated Identity Theft Lawyer Hunterdon County — Federal Defense
Aggravated identity theft under 18 U.S.C. § 1028A is a federal felony with a mandatory 2-year prison sentence consecutive to any other sentence. If you are charged in Hunterdon County, you need an experienced aggravated identity theft lawyer. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for federal identity theft cases, drawing on Mr.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Hunterdon Vicinage | 18 U.S.C. § 1028A
Aggravated identity theft, defined under 18 U.S.C. § 1028A, is a distinct federal crime that occurs when someone knowingly uses the identification of another person during and in relation to a predicate felony offense, such as bank fraud, mail fraud, or immigration fraud. Unlike simple identity theft, this charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison, which must run consecutively to any sentence for the underlying felony. This makes securing an aggravated identity theft lawyer Hunterdon County with federal experience critical from the outset of your case.
Federal Identity Theft Charges and Defenses
Federal identity theft cases in New Jersey are typically investigated by agencies like the FBI, Secret Service, or Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. A federal identity theft defense lawyer Hunterdon County must understand the nuances of federal procedure, including grand jury indictments, discovery, and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Defenses can challenge whether the government can prove you knowingly used another person’s identity, whether the use was “during and in relation to” the predicate crime, or whether the identification belonged to a real person.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: Federal agents may contact you. Do not speak to them without your attorney. Contact a lawyer as early as possible.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: The case is presented to a federal grand jury. If indicted, you will be arraigned in U.S. District Court.
- Discovery & Motion Practice: Your attorney will review all evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if procedural errors occurred.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Your lawyer will negotiate with prosecutors, often seeking to have the aggravated identity theft charge dropped in exchange for a plea on the underlying felony. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines. The mandatory 2-year sentence for aggravated identity theft is added to the sentence for the predicate felony.
Penalties for Federal Identity Theft
In Hunterdon County, federal identity theft charges prosecuted in the District of New Jersey carry severe penalties, including mandatory prison time, substantial fines, and lengthy supervised release.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Identity Theft (18 U.S.C. § 1028A) | Federal Felony | Mandatory 2 years consecutive to predicate felony sentence | Up to $250,000 | Supervised release, restitution, forfeiture |
| Identity Theft (18 U.S.C. § 1028) | Federal Felony | Up to 15 years (varies by specific violation) | Up to $250,000 | Supervised release, restitution, forfeiture |
| Underlying Predicate Felony (e.g., Bank Fraud, Wire Fraud) | Federal Felony | Varies (e.g., wire fraud up to 20 years) | Up to $250,000 or twice the gain/loss | Supervised release, restitution, forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Identity Theft Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a unique perspective to federal defense. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems is a distinct advantage in dissecting the financial and digital evidence common in identity theft cases. The firm’s collaborative approach and multi-state practice provide a depth of resources for clients facing federal charges in Hunterdon County.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results in Hunterdon County for this charge are not listed, the firm’s approach is demonstrated in federal casework. For example, the firm has successfully defended against federal charges involving evidence, securing dismissals and favorable negotiations. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Hunterdon County courts. We provide representation for individuals in Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, and surrounding communities. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Federal Identity Theft Defense FAQs
What is the difference between identity theft and aggravated identity theft?
Aggravated identity theft requires using someone’s ID during a specific felony. The key difference is the mandatory 2-year prison sentence that must be served on top of the sentence for the underlying crime, making an enhanced identity fraud lawyer Hunterdon County essential.
Can aggravated identity theft charges be dropped?
It depends. The government may drop the § 1028A charge in a plea deal if you plead guilty to the predicate felony. An attorney can negotiate this. Dismissal at trial is possible if the defense successfully challenges the evidence of knowledge or the link to the predicate crime.
What should I do if I’m contacted by federal agents about identity theft?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with an attorney. Then, immediately contact a federal identity theft defense lawyer Hunterdon County. Anything you say can be used against you, and early legal intervention is important.
What are common predicate felonies for aggravated identity theft?
Common underlying felonies include bank fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, immigration document fraud, healthcare fraud, and theft of public money. The government must prove you used the identification to commit or further one of these specific crimes.
Why is an attorney with a financial/tech background important for these cases?
These cases often involve digital trails, financial records, and data analysis. An attorney like Mr. Sris, with a background in accounting and information systems, can effectively scrutinize this evidence, identify flaws, and work with experienced witnesses to build a strong defense.
If you are under investigation or charged with aggravated identity theft in Hunterdon County, contact an aggravated identity theft lawyer Hunterdon County at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We offer 24/7 consultations to begin building your defense.
Useful Resources: 18 U.S.C. § 1028A (Aggravated Identity Theft) | Superior Court of NJ, Hunterdon Vicinage
Related Pages: New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer | Federal Criminal Lawyer Bergen County | Criminal Defense Lawyer Hunterdon County
Page last verified: 2026-04. Information is subject to change. Consult an attorney for current legal advice.
If you want to see how a Hunterdon County case fits into the wider process, our page on aggravated identity theft lawyer New Jersey covers it from start to finish.
Your case in Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Federal charges are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton and Camden), not in county court; related state charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Hunterdon County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Hunterdon Vicinage (13th Vicinage), 65 Park Avenue, Flemington, NJ 08822, telephone (908) 824-9750, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Hunterdon County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Hunterdon County NJ lawyers directory · Aggravated Identity Theft Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Aggravated Identity Theft Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Aggravated Identity Theft Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.