Opinion ID: 2368471
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: introduction

Text: In this appeal, we review the court of appeals' decision to affirm Felix Montes-Rodriguez's conviction for criminal impersonation in violation of section 18-5-113(1)(e), C.R.S. (2010). People v. Montes-Rodriguez, 219 P.3d 340 (Colo.App.2009). In relevant part, this statute applies when one assumes a false identity or a false capacity with the intent to unlawfully gain a benefit for himself. [1] § 18-5-113(1)(e). Montes-Rodriguez was convicted of criminal impersonation based on his use of a false social security number on an application for an automobile loan. Montes-Rodriguez admitted to using the false social security number. However, he contested the criminal impersonation charge. He argued that he did not assume a false identity or capacity under the statute because he applied for the loan using his proper name, birth date, address, and other identifying information. The trial court denied his motion for a judgment of acquittal, and the jury returned a guilty verdict. A divided panel of the court of appeals affirmed Montes-Rodriguez's conviction. Montes-Rodriguez, 219 P.3d at 343. Although the parties had focused on the false-identity element of the crime at trial, the majority of the court of appeals addressed only the false-capacity element of the statute. Id. The court of appeals defined false capacity as a false legal qualification, competency, power, or fitness. Id. It then reasoned that, by using a false social security number on a loan application. Montes-Rodriguez impliedly asserted his power or fitness to obtain the loan and his ability to work legally in this country to repay the loan. Id. We reverse. Consistent with previous Colorado case law, we hold that one assumes a false or fictitious capacity in violation of the statute when he or she assumes a false legal qualification, power, fitness, or role. We also reaffirm our earlier holding that one assumes a false identity by holding one's self out to a third party as being another person. See Alvarado v. People, 132 P.3d 1205, 1207 (Colo.2006). Applying this holding to the present case, we conclude that Montes-Rodriguez neither assumed a false capacity nor a false identity in violation of the statute. The prosecution failed to prove the false-capacity element of the crime because it presented no evidence that the law requires loan applicants to have social security numbers. In other words, the prosecution failed to present evidence that a social security number gives one the legal qualification, fitness, or power to receive a loan. The prosecution also failed to prove the element of false identity. Montes-Rodriguez's false social security number was one of many pieces of identifying information submitted on his loan application. On the whole, by providing his proper name, birth date, address, and employment information, the evidence establishes that Montes-Rodriguez applied for the loan as himself, not as another person. Accordingly, we reverse the court of appeals' opinion upholding Montes-Rodriguez's conviction. We remand this case to that court so that it may be returned to the trial court for entry of a judgment of acquittal. [2]