Although ID theft cases rarely end up being prosecuted, if you are lucky enough to have your case go before a jury, you want to be adequately prepared. To get a conviction, courts need to see the damage the perpetrator has caused you. The Identity Theft Resource Center compiled a number of suggestions on how you can get ready for your day in court.

Keep a Journal

From the first day that you discover you have become a victim of this crime, you should be keeping a journal. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, that journal should contain your personal accounts of what you are going through to recover from the crime. For example, if you are turned down for a car loan because of the fraudulent activity, this should be included. The journal can also be helpful when the judge determines the sentence for the criminal if he or she is found guilty.

Maintain a File

Because dealing with identity theft is complicated, even if you do not go to court, you should have a file where you organize all of the paperwork related to your case. The Identity Theft Resource Center suggests keeping all of the following things in that file: the police report, all proof of fraud (including the checks, credit card applications, receipts, etc.), any specific cost of identity theft, your credit reports, copies of all correspondence related to the case, all of the court documents, and your victim statements.

Take Notes on Court Proceeding

The Identity Theft Resource Center suggests keeping notes on what happens each day in court, including the names of the judge and the lawyers involved. You should also write down any questions you might have had about what was occurring so you can discuss them with the district attorney later.

Restitution Items

Additionally, you should keep track of any cost of identity theft incurred as a result of the crime. This includes any legal fees, the costs of making copies and sending correspondence via certified mail, making the long distance cell phone calls, driving from place to place to file reports and supply documentation, and any additional out-of-pocket expenses. The guilty party should have to repay you for all of these damages.