Not Every Criminal Defense Attorney Has What It Takes to Defend Clients Against Allegations of Cybercrime
While the term “cybercrime” often brings sophisticated hackers to mind, the truth is that most people accused of cybercrimes do not fit this stereotype. More often, cybercrime involves fraud, harassment, and similar simple crimes. Whether you are accused of a highly-technical cybercrime or bullying someone online, you need a cybercrimes attorney who understands the ins and outs of complex technology. You need Simmons Wagner, LLP. Call us now at (949) 439-5857 for a consultation.
Examples of Cybercrime
Some of the most commonly charged cybercrimes include:
- Fraud. Internet fraud types include not delivering merchandise that was purchased, advance free fraud, work at home scams, lottery sales, and fraudulent sales.
- Unauthorized Use or Access. It is a crime to deliberately access, copy, delete, alter, or use data from a computer or network you are not authorized to use or access.
- Harassment. There are a number of harassment cybercrimes including stalking, harassing communications, violating a restraining order, criminal threats, and other crimes that involve online communication.
- Phishing. If you use an email or website to steal information, you can face state or federal charges of identity theft and/or credit card fraud.
- Identity Theft. Taking someone’s personal information and using it for illegal purposes is identity theft.
- Internet Investment Fraud. It is a cybercrime to lure victims into investing online into a company that does not exist.
- Communications Fraud. It is against the law to use internet services (wireless, satellite, etc.) without paying, and it is against the law to share copyrighted properties such as music and films. Doing so constitutes communications fraud.
Potential Penalties for Cybercrime
Due to the fact that there are so many types of cybercrime, there is not one specific penalty for conviction – it will depend largely on what you are charged with. For example, a person charged with felony computer fraud could pay up to $10,000 in fines and face a prison sentence of 16 months, two years, or three years. If they are convicted of misdemeanor computer fraud, they could spend up to one year in county jail and pay fines of up to $5,000.
Further, a person who has a computer fraud conviction might have a tough time getting a job in the future, as they might be prevented from certain types of computer access.
How a Cybercrimes Attorney Can Help You
You are not in this alone and you should not face these charges alone. Your cybercrime attorney can help with every phase of the process. We can help by:
- Intervening during the investigation process to prevent charges from being filed
- Negotiating with federal/state agencies before charges are filed or you are arrested
- Requesting our own forensic testing of any physical evidence
- Examining the evidence to determine which defense would work best, such as lack of intent or accidental access
- Working with expert witnesses to prove your innocence
The best time to call us is the second you suspect you are going to be accused of a cybercrime, or immediately after you are arrested. Remember that you can call Simmons Wagner, LLP at (949) 439-5857 for a consultation any time.