In 2006, 9.3 million Americans became victims of identity theft, and this number is expected to rise. Believe it or not, friends perpetrate nearly half of all identity theft crimes, and unfortunately, the effects of identity theft on the victim can last for years – even decades.

Identity theft laws in most states make it a misdemeanor or felony crime to misuse another person's identifying information. No distinction is made between whether or not the identifying information is stolen for personal or financial use – it’s a crime either way. Personal information such as credit history, social security numbers, and PIN numbers are often stolen through the offender's unlawful access to information from government and financial entities, or lost or stolen mail, wallets and purses, identification, and credit or debit cards.

Because identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America , laws are getting tougher and tolerance is dwindling down to zero. This means, if you are convicted of identity theft, you will spend time in jail or prison, you will have to pay fines, and you will most likely be sued by the person’s identity you stole.

If you have been accused of Identity Theft, whether you are guilty or not, you will need to hire a criminal lawyer or attorney. If you are suing a convicted criminal for damages resulting from Identity Theft, you should hire a civil lawyer or attorney. If the person was not convicted and you still want to sue for damages, you should still hire a civil lawyer or attorney. Criminal lawyers and attorneys represent individuals who have been charged with crimes by arguing their cases in courts of law. A criminal lawyer or attorney will typically have a private practice concentrating on criminal law.

If you have been arrested for Identity Theft, you must request an attorney at the time you are arrested or contact a private criminal lawyer or attorney immediately. A good criminal attorney will be familiar with important Identity Theft laws of the state in which the crime took place, they will be familiar with local court customs and procedures, and they will also have a clear understanding of the "hidden costs" of pleading guilty.

When searching for a criminal lawyer or attorney, visit the American Bar Association. The ABA site offers free access to their lawyer locator to help you find a criminal lawyer or attorney in your area.