identity theft defense attorney in Tri-Cities
Protect Your Future from the Weight of a Felony Charge with an Attorney Who Knows Both Sides of the Courtroom.
Identity theft accusations move fast, and the stigma moves even faster. At Gideon’s Associates, former prosecutor Charlie Dow uses his “insider” knowledge to find the cracks in the government’s case before it ruins your life.
We provide the aggressive, high-stakes defense you deserve.
- Flat-rate fees
- Flexible payment plans available
Being accused of identity theft is terrifying—and it moves fast. Law enforcement doesn’t always wait to build a complete picture before making an arrest, and the charge itself carries a stigma that can follow you even if the accusations turn out to be unfounded. If you or someone you care about is facing identity theft charges in Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, Walla Walla, or anywhere across Eastern Washington, you need an identity theft defense attorney in your corner before this gets worse.
At Gideon’s Associates, PLLC, we represent people accused of identity theft and financial fraud crimes throughout Benton, Franklin, and Walla Walla Counties. Attorney Charlie Dow spent years as a prosecutor—he’s seen how these cases are built, and he knows exactly where they fall apart.
Why You Need an Experienced Assault & Battery Defense Attorney, Not a Prosecutor
Identity theft in Washington State is governed by RCW 9.35.020. Under that statute, a person commits identity theft when they knowingly obtain, possess, use, or transfer another person’s means of identification or financial information—with the intent to commit, or aid or abet, any crime.
That sounds straightforward, but in practice, these cases are rarely simple. The statute covers a wide range of alleged conduct, from using someone else’s credit card number to more complex schemes involving documents, accounts, or financial data.
Washington breaks identity theft into two degrees:
- Identity Theft in the First Degree is a Class B felony when the accused—or an accomplice—obtains credit, money, goods, services, or anything else of value exceeding $1,500, or when the victim is a senior or vulnerable individual. A Class B felony in Washington carries up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.
- Identity Theft in the Second Degree applies under all other circumstances not rising to the first degree. This is a Class C felony, carrying up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Either conviction leaves a permanent felony record that can close doors to employment, housing, professional licenses, and more. In communities like ours—where a lot of people work in agriculture, construction, healthcare, or at the Hanford Site—a felony conviction doesn’t just affect you personally. It ripples outward.
Why These Cases Are More Complicated Than They Look
Identity theft prosecutions often hinge on proving intent—that you knowingly used someone else’s information without their permission. That’s a crucial element, and it’s one that experienced defense attorneys challenge aggressively.
Some of the most common defenses in identity theft cases include:
Authorization. If the alleged victim actually gave you permission to use their information—even informally—that dismantles the core of the prosecution’s case. Relationships matter here: family members, business partners, caregivers, and employees sometimes have legitimate reasons to access another person’s accounts or documents.
Mistaken identity or wrongful accusation. Identity theft is, by definition, about stolen identities. That irony matters. The actual perpetrator often covers their tracks by pointing evidence toward someone else. Digital forensics and transaction records need to be examined carefully before the prosecution’s narrative is taken at face value.
Lack of knowledge. If you received stolen financial information without knowing what it was—or were unknowingly involved in a scheme organized by someone else—you may have a strong defense based on absence of criminal intent.
Improper police procedures. If law enforcement obtained digital records, devices, or financial data through an unlawful search, those materials may be suppressible. A former prosecutor knows how these investigations are conducted—and where the constitutional lines get crossed.
Charlie Dow built his career understanding how the government puts these cases together. Now he uses that knowledge to take them apart. And if you’ve already been convicted, it may not be too late—post-conviction relief options like appeals, sentence modifications, and vacation of conviction are worth exploring with an attorney who knows Washington’s courts.
Facing Identity Theft Charges Alongside Other Allegations
Identity theft rarely shows up alone. Prosecutors often stack related charges together—things like:
- Theft crimes including robbery or fraud
- Forgery or possession of stolen property
- Computer fraud or unauthorized access
- Drug-related offenses when financial crimes are part of a broader pattern
When multiple charges are filed together, the stakes go up considerably. So does the complexity of the defense. Having an attorney who can see the whole board—not just one charge at a time—makes a real difference in how a case resolves.
How We Handle Identity Theft Defense
Theft in Washington is governed under RCW 9A.56 and is divided into degrees based on the value of the property involved:
01
Thorough review
At Gideon's Associates PLLC, every case starts with a thorough review of the evidence the prosecution has—and the evidence they don't have. We look at how the investigation was conducted, whether your rights were protected, and where the government's case is weakest.
02
builds a defense strategy
From there, Charlie builds a defense strategy that is direct and honest with you about what you're facing and what your real options are. That's what "both sides" perspective actually means in practice: he's not guessing at what the prosecution will argue. He knows, because he's argued it.
03
we take your situation seriously
We serve clients throughout Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, West Richland, Prosser, Connell, Walla Walla, and the surrounding communities. Whether you're dealing with a first-time allegation or a more complex multi-count case, we take your situation seriously and treat you with the respect you're owed.
We also understand that legal fees shouldn’t be another crisis on top of an already-difficult situation. That’s why we offer flat-rate fees, monthly payment plans, and sliding scale options for people who qualify. If you’re worried about affording an attorney, talk to us—we’ll figure out what’s possible.
What Our CLient's Say
Don't Wait to Get Help
Identity theft charges can escalate quickly, and the window to protect your rights is often narrower than people realize. Early intervention—before charges are formally filed, or immediately after arrest—gives your attorney the most room to work.
You deserve to be heard, and relentlessly protected.
