Internet and Cyber Crimes Attorney Overview

Lawyer Representation in Cases Involving Hacking and Computer Fraud

We live in a digital world, and computers are involved in nearly every aspect of our lives. This means that in addition to facing criminal charges for the physical actions you take, you may also be charged for committing certain offenses over the internet.

If you have been charged with an internet crime, it is essential to speak to an experienced cyber law attorney as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer can help you understand the nature of the charges, the best way to respond to an investigation by law enforcement, and the defense strategies that will minimize the consequences to your life.

Types of Cyber Crimes

Any offenses committed over the internet or using computer technology (including smartphones, email, social media, or websites) are considered cyber crimes. These offenses may include:

• Hacking - It is illegal to access or modify a computer system or network without permission. In addition to attempting to access and/or steal secured information, a person may face charges related to hacking if they attempt to harm a person or organization using tools such as computer viruses, malware, or denial of service (DoS) attacks. In some cases, hackers may face federal criminal charges for attempting to access certain protected systems.
• Computer fraud - The internet is full of scams in which someone attempts to steal others' money through fraudulent means, whether they are accepting money for goods or services which are never provided, attempting to illegally obtain credit card numbers or financial information, or otherwise misrepresenting themselves. Many scams involve identity theft, in which a person's Social Security number or other personal information are stolen and used to open accounts, make purchases, or obtain loans.
• Sex crimes - Due to the perceived anonymity provided by the internet, many people feel free to act inappropriately online. However, law enforcement officers are likely to be on the lookout for any sexual crimes that are conducted over the internet, such as prostitution, sex trafficking, and distribution of child pornography.
• Cyberbullying or cyberstalking - The internet provides people with many opportunities for harassment via email, chat, text, and social media. Several states have passed laws addressing online harassment, including bullying that causes a student to fear for their life or safety and sexual harassment. In many cases, hate crime laws may also apply when harassment is based on a person's race, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, or religion, and an offender is likely to face harsh punishments for these types of offenses.

If you have been accused of a cyber crime, you should contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer. An attorney can ensure that your rights are protected during an investigation and prosecution, and they can help you understand your best options for defense.