My question involves criminal law for the state of: MARYLAND.
Trying to keep this as short as possible.I am a 30 year old woman,mother of 5. I have NEVER been arrested,never so much as a parking ticket. I am a FT student. After completing a Certificate program in 2007 I went to work for a laboratory. Seeking a promotion I applied to another company,at which time a background check was performed. I was informed I had an active warrant in MD Judiciary and that I was unemployable. In addition to being shocked and humiliated I was terrified at the news. How can I have a warrant out on me for a crime I did not commit or even have knowledge of ? I requested a print-out of the findings. The warrant is two years old and was for probable cause of theft. There are 16, yes I said 16 charges which are 6 charges of Theft under $100, 9 charges of Theft over $500 and 1 charge that reads "Theft scheme 500+ " I DID NOT COMMIT THESE CRIMES. I have lived at the same address for 8 years and NO ONE has attempted to contact me via mail,phone nor in person at ANYTIME regarding this warrant,which again is two years old. I am terrified that if I can be charged with something I had no involvement in/knowledge of that the state may be able to send me to jail for the same. I believe I have been the victim of identity theft for many valid reasons. I have contemplated going to the police but am afraid I have no way to clear myself. I think someone is using my name and social to both live and be employed as well as to establish credit. In 2008 I received a W2 form with my name on it for a place I've never worked and my credit report is enough to ruin my chances at securing student loans now. This is ruining my life. Both my education and employment are Health care related and our backgrounds have to be clean. The fact that someone is destroying my credit is hurting me for educational funding. I seek detailed advice and have a few questions...
1. Is the burden on the state to prove I'm guilty or on me to prove I'm not?
2. Am I going to have to find the person that stole my identity before this will be over?
3. Will this person be forced to fix my credit?
4. Will the states Attorney give me a note or some document once this is cleared up that clears my name and can be used to show my school and employer that I was a victim of identity theft and am a trustworthy person?
5. My credit was unestablished before this and despite my best efforts I couldn't get anyone to be my "first" lender and extend me ANY type of credit so How the Hell did this person get what I couldn't even manage to get?
6. What can I possibly provide to prove my innocence?
7.Do I sue the state or the thief for recovery of my attorney fees and related expenses? (Because the state is bringing these charges on me)
8. What would you do,Where would you start and Would you be afraid?
ANY advice GREATLY appreciated.

