Are Computer Crimes Federal Offenses?
Computer crimes may range in severity and are often categorized as federal offenses. If you have been arrested for computer crimes it is important to protect your rights. Whether you’ve been charged yet or are under investigation, you will need to get legal assistance from an experienced criminal attorney. Computer crimes are often considered federal offenses because the use of the Internet spans over state lines. The penalties for federal crimes are often harsh and may include fines and a jail sentence. If the crime involves children pornography, a conviction will also require you to register as a sex offender. There are many types of computer crimes.
What are Computer Crimes?
The term “computer crime” is often used to describe a wide range of different criminal activities. They may range from very severe illegal activities to minor legal infractions. As the computer becomes more advanced and the Internet use increases, more and more computer crimes are being committed. Some of the most common computer crimes include:
- Money laundering
- Credit card fraud
- Harassment
- Hacking
- Child pornography
- Identity fraud
- Spamming
These types of crimes are usually committed with the help of a computer and may occur at home, at work, or in both locations. If the crime was committed at work you may also face penalties including termination from your job.
Defending Computer Crime Charges
Computer crime charges will result in an arrest. It is essential to seek help from an experienced attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. In many cases, your attorney will represent you at your first hearing where the charges will be determined and bail will be set. Your lawyer will work to immediately get your charges lowered or eliminated and your bail reduced. Then, your lawyer will learn as much as possible about the alleged offense including how the information was obtained prior to your arrest. If the proper procedures were not followed there could be reason to drop the charges against you. Computer forensics are commonly utilized today to collect and interpret information stored on your computer. Sometimes the arrest may be a case of mistaken identity. No matter what the situation, your attorney will review every aspect of your case to protect your rights and defend you in court. Each case is different so all the details of the charges will be intricately reviewed to determine the best way to defend you.
Federal Computer Crimes
When a crime is classified as a federal crime there will certainly be additional resources placed on the investigation and prosecution. For this reason, it is imperative to select an attorney with a strong background in defending computer crimes. You need a tough lawyer who will use every possible tool at his disposal to defend you against these harsh charges. Conviction of a federal crime could have a negative impact on your life for many years to come so you need the best possible advocate in your corner to represent you throughout the legal process. Your attorney will work to resolve your case and bring you the justice you deserve.