Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Chicago is a city built on commerce, banking, and trade. From the Loop’s financial district to neighborhood banks and retail stores, the use of personal identity information is constant. With so much digital and physical data in circulation, Illinois has criminalized the unlawful possession of another person’s identity information under 720 ILCS 5/16G-15.
This law makes it a crime to knowingly possess another’s personal identifying information without permission when there is intent to commit fraud. Identifying information may include a Social Security number, bank account number, driver’s license, state ID, passport, or credit card information.
The seriousness of charges depends on the scope of the alleged possession and whether prosecutors can prove intent. If someone is found with a single document and no evidence of fraud, prosecutors may file misdemeanor charges. But when multiple documents are found, or if evidence shows fraud, felony charges almost always follow.
