[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/blog\/federal-identity-theft-law-18-usc-1028\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/blog\/federal-identity-theft-law-18-usc-1028\/","headline":"Federal Identity Theft Law \u2013 18U.S.C-\u00a7-1028","name":"Federal Identity Theft Law \u2013 18U.S.C-\u00a7-1028","description":"Federal criminal law outlines activities constituting identity theft under 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 1028. Violating this statute exposes a person to severe criminal penalties, including potentially significant prison time. What Is 18 U.S.C \u00a7 1028? 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 1028 is a federal law that criminalizes identity document fraud. It covers the making, use, and possession of […]","datePublished":"2025-02-25","dateModified":"2026-04-27","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/blog\/author\/sterling-defense\/#Person","name":"Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling","url":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/blog\/author\/sterling-defense\/","identifier":12,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2aa0280c0e1efaf674a97a59974db31e4f7fb0dbf3a9cb51b1c654cad5fb5101?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2aa0280c0e1efaf674a97a59974db31e4f7fb0dbf3a9cb51b1c654cad5fb5101?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/law-offices-justin-e-sterling-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/law-offices-justin-e-sterling-logo.png","width":421,"height":80}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Theft-law.png","url":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Theft-law.png","height":600,"width":800},"url":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/blog\/federal-identity-theft-law-18-usc-1028\/","about":["Criminal Defense"],"wordCount":575,"articleBody":"Federal criminal law outlines activities constituting identity theft under 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 1028. Violating this statute exposes a person to severe criminal penalties, including potentially significant prison time.What Is 18 U.S.C \u00a7 1028?18 U.S.C. \u00a7 1028 is a federal law that criminalizes identity document fraud. It covers the making, use, and possession of fake IDs, the theft of someone\u2019s identity, and the production of false government documents. Violations can lead to fines and prison time, especially if the fraud involves specific types of serious offenses.Types of Federal Identity Theft OffensesCommon examples of federal identity theft offenses include:Possessing, transferring, or unlawfully using a federal identification document, such as a passport or military IDPossessing an identification document to defraud the U.S.Possessing document-making equipment with the intent to produce false ID documentsPossessing or unlawfully using someone else\u2019s ID to commit unlawful activity under state or federal lawCalifornia also has its own identity theft laws (Penal Code \u00a7 530.5 PC) prohibiting using another person\u2019s identity for an illegal purpose.Penalties for Violating 18 U.S.C \u00a7 1028Penalties for federal identity theft vary depending on the circumstances of the offense. A person may face a sentence that includes a fine, up to 15 years in prison, or both a fine and imprisonment if the offense involves:The production or transfer of an ID document, authentication feature (e.g., a watermark), or false ID document issued by or under the authority of the U.S. or a birth certificate, driver\u2019s license, or personal ID cardThe production or transfer of more than five ID documents, authentication features, or false ID documentsThe knowing production, transfer, or production of document-making equipment with the intent to use it to produce a false ID document or authentication featureThe knowing possession, transfer, or unlawful use of a means of ID to commit or aid in unlawful activity that obtains an aggregate value of $1,000 or more over one yearA person may face a penalty that includes a fine and potentially up to five years in prison if the offense involves the production or transfer of an ID document, authentication feature, or false ID document.A sentence for identity theft may impose up to 20 years in prison if the offense involves drug trafficking, a violent crime, or a second or subsequent federal identity theft offense. Finally, a defendant may face up to 30 years in prison if they commit identity theft to facilitate terrorism.In any other case, an identity theft conviction carries a maximum prison term of one year.Defenses Against Identity Theft ChargesCommon defenses used in federal identity theft cases include:Lack of intent to commit an unlawful offenseLack of knowledge that you committed a crimeLawful possessionInsufficient evidenceFalse accusationHow a Los Angeles Federal Identity Theft Attorney Can HelpA California criminal defense attorney can help you face prosecution for charges of violations of federal identity theft laws by:Independently investigating your charges for evidence to build your caseIdentifying possible defense strategies to pursue a reduction, dismissal, or acquittalHelping you understand the possible outcomes of your charges so you make informed decisionsFighting for the best possible outcome at trialWhen you face federal charges for violating 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 1028, you need experienced legal counsel to protect your future. Contact the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today for a free consultation with a Los Angeles federal identity theft attorney."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Federal Identity Theft Law \u2013 18U.S.C-\u00a7-1028","item":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/blog\/federal-identity-theft-law-18-usc-1028\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]