California Penal Code Section 529 PC: False Impersonation

The California Penal Code Section 529 PC makes it illegal to impersonate someone else to gain a benefit or cause harm. To secure a conviction on these charges, prosecutors must prove:

• You falsely impersonated someone in a private or public way. 
• You intended to gain an advantage or harm the other person. 
• The act succeeded in benefiting you or harming the individual you impersonated. 

Seeking help from a criminal defense lawyer is crucial if you’ve been charged with false impersonation in Los Angeles. The consequences can be severe.

Examples of False Impersonation

According to 529 PC, an offender violates the law if they commit one of the following acts: 

• Becomes bail or surety in court under someone else’s name
• Verifies, publishes, or acknowledges a written instrument in someone else’s name
• Performs an act that could cause the impersonated individual to face criminal or civil penalties 

Not sure what that means in real-life terms? Here are two examples to clarify: 

• Ashley gets a credit card using someone else’s name. Then, she goes on a shopping spree and buys clothes, a laptop, and expensive jewelry. She falsely impersonated the victim to get the card and benefited through her purchases.
  
• Alex drank too much at a party and caused an accident that injured someone else. He gives the officer his twin brother’s name at the accident scene and falsely signs that name on documents at the police station. Alex exposes his twin to criminal DUI charges and the possibility of a civil personal injury suit from the accident victim.    

Consequences of a Conviction

False impersonation is a “wobbler offense,” meaning it can be a misdemeanor or felony in California. It is typically tried as a misdemeanor, with a conviction including up to one year in county jail and fines of up to $10,000. However, a felony conviction for false impersonation may lead to up to three years in state prison and fines of up to $10,000.

Beyond legal penalties, a 529 PC conviction for false impersonation can have lasting secondary effects, such as reputational harm. A criminal record can also impact employment opportunities, making finding a job or obtaining professional licenses harder. Therefore, it is crucial to take false impersonation charges seriously and seek legal help to protect one’s future.

Importance of Hiring an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

While false impersonation convictions carry significant penalties, it’s vital to remember that you have rights and the opportunity to defend yourself. An experienced criminal defense attorney from the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling can examine the case against you, look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and negotiate for reduced charges or penalties. If you want to take your case to trial, you will need a capable lawyer to represent you in court and protect your rights.

Don’t Go Up Against the Courts Alone – Get Our Criminal Defense Lawyer on Your Side 

Los Angeles attorney Justin E. Sterling is an accomplished criminal defense attorney with over two decades of experience representing clients charged with a broad range of crimes. Contact us today for a confidential and free case review.