Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

I was charged with Identity Theft

A former friend had to move in with me last year. I was going through a divorce and has lost a lot of household things. He let me make some purchases on 3 store credit cards online. The purchases were billed to me, he knew about every one of them, he even signed for some of the packages that came with his name on them and went with me to pick up other packages. He started refusing to pay rent, was threatening suicide daily, and told me he didn't know what was reality and what was a dream. I told him he needed to move out, and he said if I evicted him he would ''destroy'' me because he would have a hard time working in law enforcement with an eviction (he was a deputy Sheriff for a short time before being fired). I got a summons last week that said I was being charged with one count of ID theft 1st degree, 3 counts of 2nd degree ID theft and one count of 1st degree theft. I have absolutely nothing on my record, I've never even been pulled over. I have to go within the next 2 days to be fingerprinted, and my arraignment is in a week and a half. What should I expect at the arraignment? Will I be taken into custody? I have sole custody of a preschool-age child, so I'm very concerned about what will happen.


Asked on 1/07/09, 3:13 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: I was charged with Identity Theft

I am sorry to hear about that terrible situation and the problems it is causing for you. Hopefully, with good investigation the truth will come out. In the meantime...

At the arraignment you will formally be told what the charges are and the Judge will decide if a bail is need and, if so, how much. You could be taken into custody depending on a number of factors. With nothing on your record, the crime not being a crime of violence, with adequate representation you should avoid being taken into custody. You should arrange an attorney as soon as possible. Contact me directly if you are in western Washington and would like my assistance.

At your service,

Read more
Answered on 1/07/09, 2:53 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Washington