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Can you summarize MSCO 97-45-19?
Computer Crimes and Identity Theft > Identity theft.
Short Summary
This document governs the crime of identity theft in Mississippi. It prohibits any person from obtaining or attempting to obtain personal identity information of another person without authorization, with the intent to unlawfully use that information for various purposes such as obtaining financial credit, purchasing property, obtaining employment, accessing medical records, or committing illegal acts. Violation of this section is a felony punishable by imprisonment or a fine. However, if the violation involves an amount less than $250, it may be considered a misdemeanor. The document also clarifies that it does not apply to obtaining personal identity information through the discovery process of a civil action, administrative proceeding, or arbitration proceeding.
Whom does it apply to?
Any person who obtains or attempts to obtain personal identity information of another person without authorization
What does it govern?
Identity theft
What are exemptions?
The document does not apply to a person who obtains or attempts to obtain personal identity information of another person pursuant to the discovery process of a civil action, an administrative proceeding or an arbitration proceeding.
What are the Penalties?
A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not less than two (2) nor more than fifteen (15) years or a fine of not more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), or both. If the violation involves an amount of less than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00), a person who violates this section may be found guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for a term of not more than six (6) months, or by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or both, in the discretion of the court.
Jurisdiction
Mississippi