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When to Consider a Plea Bargain in an Identity Theft Case

May 14, 2025 Posted In White Collar Crime

An experienced Atlanta criminal defense attorney can often fight identity theft charges for you, resulting in a case’s dismissal. However, there are times when pursuing a plea bargain is beneficial if an identity theft conviction appears imminent. Below, we discuss a few reasons to consider a plea bargain in an identity theft case in Atlanta.

Evidence Substantiates an Act of Identity Theft

Often, the strength of the evidence against you in an identity theft case in Georgia is enough reason to consider a plea bargain. However, compelling evidence does not mean you should navigate the legal system alone. An Atlanta identity theft attorney will discuss the potential outcomes of a plea bargain with you.

You Want a More Efficient Judicial Process

Numerous factors impact how long the legal process takes in Georgia. Waiting for an identity theft case to go to court is stressful, even before litigation begins. You may also hope to avoid the attention of a trial.

Cases going to court require attorneys representing both parties to present complex evidence. In addition to criminal charges for identity theft in Georgia, you may face civil actions for damages resulting from identity theft.

Seeking a More Predictable Outcome is a Goal

An Atlanta identity theft attorney can engage in various types of plea bargaining. To allow for more predictability and control over the outcome of a case, your legal representative may use the following forms of plea bargaining:

  • Charge Bargaining: Your attorney may negotiate the charge against you to allow for you to plead guilty to a lesser charge
  • Sentence Bargaining: You enter a guilty plea for the charges against you in exchange for less harsh sentence
  • Fact Bargaining: You agree to provide certain facts if the prosecutor decides to leave out specific information about your case

Plea bargains are tremendous tools to provide a more predictable outcome in an identity theft case. Your Atlanta criminal defense attorney can discuss the pros and cons of each plea bargain. Whether you face state or federal charges in Georgia for identity theft can impact your ability to use plea bargaining tools.

Mitigating the Impact of a Criminal Record Matters to You

Identity theft is a felony crime in Georgia. To name a few challenges you may face, a felony conviction can make finding gainful employment, desirable housing, and securing loans more complex. Your goal may be rehabilitation and sealing a criminal record, when possible.

Exploring various avenues that lessen the impact of identity theft on your criminal record can be beneficial. Georgia’s First Offender Act may apply to your case, potentially providing more control over the outcome of a case, the impact of a conviction on a criminal record, and your life. Previous convictions and the type of charge will also play a role in the options available to you and whether a plea bargain can improve your future circumstances.

Learn More About Plea Bargains and Identity Theft Cases in Georgia

Discovering the benefits of plea bargains to identity theft cases can help you make informed decisions about your legal rights. It is vital to explore the cons of plea bargaining as well. An identity theft attorney in Atlanta can walk you through your options and best-case scenarios if you face an identity theft conviction in Georgia.