The internet is one of the most powerful and important advances of the 21st century allowing us to communicate in a way we never have before. However, the internet and widespread use of computers also brings plenty of disadvantages and opportunities for crimes including fraud, theft and criminal sexual conduct. If you are facing any computer or internet crime, you could be looking at a federal conviction and a World Wide Web of trouble.
Computer Crime Charges
There are a number of internet crimes out there, most of which involve white collar crimes or criminal sexual conduct. This can include computer fraud, computer hacking and identity theft as well as credit card fraud and credit card theft done through a computer. Internet phishing and promoting a computer virus are also considered serious offenses. Any unlawful internet business or internet schemes can also land you in prison. Criminal sexual conduct internet crimes include possession or distribution of child pornography and internet solicitation of a minor.
Internet crimes are usually considered federal crimes which means, if you are arrested for any cyber crime, you could be tried in a federal court and sentenced under the federal system. This means you could be facing severe fines and long term prison sentences in a federal institute. It also means, if convicted, you could lose a number of rights including your right to vote, your right to bear firearms and your right to have a passport. You may have trouble finding decent work with an internet crime conviction and, if you have committed an internet sex crime, such as distribution of child pornography, then you could also be registered as a sex offender.
Avoiding an Arrest
In many cases of computer and internet crime, you may be under investigation for several months before you are actually arrested. If you notice anything suspicious at work or with your computer, then it is a good idea to contact a lawyer just in case.
If you are accused of any computer crime, your personal computer may be taken off you. If you do try to delete any material or attempt to stop the search, you could also be facing an obstruction of justice accusation as well.
Defending Cyber Crime
There are a number of defense strategies one can take if under allegations of cyber crime. Because of the increasing computer crimes out there, the FBI is taking control with a number of monitoring devices. However, everyone can make mistakes, even the FBI and internal surveillance companies. You may not even realize that what you have done is a crime or the whole accusation could be one big misunderstanding. It is important to remain calm and in control if accused of any cyber crime.
Minnesota Defense Lawyer
Don’t let an accusation of internet or computer crime affect the rest of your life. Protect your rights and reputation as well as your personal and professional life. If you or someone you love is facing a criminal conviction, then now is the time to step up and fight back. Contact Anoka criminal lawyer Michael Brandt at 763-421-6366 for a free, no obligation consultation.