Computer Crime Attorneys

What is Cybercrime?

As with many other terms in the legal world, computer crimes, also known as cybercrime, is more of an umbrella term that covers a wide variety of separate charges, any of which can be brought against a defendant in a case. In popular culture, people think of those who engage in cybercrime as being digital masterminds who concoct elaborate schemes, but this is often not the case. In reality, any crime that’s committed with the use of a computer can be considered a cybercrime. This can and often does include simple crimes such as embezzlement, theft, and fraud that are simply done over the internet.

The FBI and other organizations have in recent years employed specialists and experts in Information Technology, all in an effort to investigate and help prosecute cybercrimes. With this increased focus on prosecuting cybercrime, there is also an increased need for competent, skilled defense attorneys. Our law firm understands the complexities of the case and works to get charges either reduced or dropped entirely, sometimes before the case even goes to trial.

Computer-Related Extortion

At its base, the charge of computer-related extortion is more or less a modern extension of the charge of racketeering. The only difference is that the crime is being perpetrated using a computer or computer system. Some examples of computer-related extortion would be a former employee who threatens to damage their ex-employers computer system, or a hacker gaining access to sensitive information that they then ransom for a sum of money.

This also applies to computers and computer systems that are used by banks or financial institutions. For example, a bank employee who used their bank’s systems to access and steal sensitive data would also fall under this umbrella term of computer-related extortion.

Examples of Defense for Computer Crimes

One of the most common and effective defenses for criminal charges of cybercrime has to do with the definition of the word unauthorized. For example, if it can be proven that the defendant was in fact authorized to access the computer or computer system that they accessed, this can start to create problems for the prosecutors, making it harder to secure a successful prosecution.

Another caveat is the potentially broad application of the word “unauthorized.” As this could apply even to employees who are simply doing non-work-related things on company computers, this loose use of the term can sometimes lead to an increase in charges, but it also presents opportunities for the defense to fight them.

What Are the Penalties for a Computer Crime Conviction?

The penalties for a cybercrime conviction can be quite severe. Along with the expected penalties like restitution payments and fines, you could even be subject to money forfeiture, being forbidden from using a computer under supervised release, or even prison time. Each case is unique, and penalties can vary widely depending on the severity of the charge or charges that are being brought up against the defendant. The most important thing here, as with all federal charges, is to get in touch with competent, effective legal counsel immediately.

What Kind of Legal Help Do I Need?

The penalties that come along with a federal criminal conviction can be considerably different from those you’d come across in a state court. Even the most experienced defense attorneys at the state level will not necessarily have the experience or knowledge necessary to successfully defend you at the federal level. When you add to that the added knowledge about complex technologies and the access to resources that a lawyer will need when defending a case of cybercrime, it’s no easy feat to find the right firm for your needs.

The Norman Spencer Law Group Handles Computer Crime Cases

If you’re facing legal problems, an investigation, or have even been charged with some type of computer crime, you need to find proper legal counsel immediately. Having the right lawyer can be the difference between spending decades in prison or having all charges dropped before you even step into a courtroom. The right defense attorney will be asking all necessary questions and turning over every stone, looking for ways to reduce or even throw out any charges you might be facing.

At the Norman Spencer Law Group, our team of seasoned defense attorneys has a combined 70 years of experience at defending cases both large and small, simple and complex, at both the state and federal level. No matter what sort of problem you might be facing, we can help. So get in touch with a member of our team today, and we’ll get you started on finding the help that you need.