Internet crimes are serious criminal offenses in Washington, including criminal impersonation. If you were arrested for catfishing or criminal impersonation, you would benefit from hiring an experienced criminal lawyer to handle your case.
At Jennifer Horwitz Law, we are a fierce team of advocates. We work to resolve our criminal charges through negotiations with the prosecutor. However, we do not hesitate to go to trial if that is the best way to protect your rights.
Our criminal lawyer has over 30 years of experience handling criminal cases. She uses her experience and impressive skills to protect the rights of accused individuals in Washington State.
Call Jennifer Horwitz Law to schedule a consultation with our Seattle criminal defense attorney.
How Jennifer Horwitz Law Can Help You with Catfishing Charges in Washington
Washington State takes catfishing very seriously. In 2012, the state passed a law allowing catfishing victims to file civil lawsuits against the offender. The victims can seek actual damages, declaratory relief, and injunctive relief.
In addition to the civil penalties, a person can be charged with a crime for catfishing. The offense is criminal impersonation. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the offender could be charged with other crimes, including financial fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, and mail fraud.
If you are charged with catfishing, you could spend years in prison, depending on the charges. Therefore, seeking legal advice as soon as possible is in your best interest.
When you hire our Seattle criminal defense attorney, you can expect:
- For your case to be handled by an attorney during every phase of your case
- Thoroughly investigate the charges against you and analyze the state’s evidence
- Explain your legal rights and the options for a defense
- Develop a defense strategy based on the facts and evidence
- Aggressively negotiate a plea deal with favorable terms when possible
- Take your case to trial and fiercely defend yourself before a jury if going to court is in your best interest
Attorney Jennifer Horwitz has top ratings as a criminal defense lawyer. She has received numerous awards and recognition from national legal organizations, including Super Lawyers and Avvo. We have an impressive track record of successful outcomes.
Contact Jennifer Horwitz Law to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Seattle criminal defense attorney.
What Is Catfishing?
Catfishing is cruel and embarrassing for the victim. A person they trust and believe to be “real” is actually someone who creates a fake online identity to trick and/or harm people.
Signs that someone might be catfishing you include:
- They want to learn as much about you as possible without answering questions about themselves.
- They seem too perfect or too good to be true.
- They do not want to use video chat and always have an excuse for not being able to meet in person.
- Their story does not quite make sense. There is something “off” about the details.
- They encourage you to share personal details and secrets.
People who engage in catfishing do so for many reasons. Catfishing is often used to scam people to obtain their money or property.
In some cases, the offender will blackmail the victim with information the victim has communicated online. Offenders may gain a victim’s trust and groom them to convince them to send nude photographs and videos.