An increase in modern technology over the years has made computer and internet crimes easier than ever to commit. To make matters worse, confusing and inexact cyber-laws make it difficult for most people to realize when that are actually breaking the law. Unfortunately, penalties for computer, internet and other cyber-crimes are often severe and can have long-lasting consequences including lengthy prison sentences and significant fines, restitution and court costs. The transformation of technology has resulted in an increase in the prosecution of computer and internet crimes by state and federal law enforcement agencies.
PA Computer and Internet Crime Defense
Computer and internet crimes often involve the investigation and development of very complicated legal defenses. It is extremely important to hire a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to begin developing a defense strategy as early as possible in the legal process. In some cases, it is possible to begin conducting a defense investigation and building a successful defense before formal charges have been filed.
Bucks County Computer Crime Defense Attorney
I have over a decade of experience providing skilled and aggressive representation to individuals facing charges for computer and internet crimes in Bucks County, Montgomery County and the surrounding counties. Contact me at (215) 752-5282 for a free initial consultation or fill out the confidential contact form for an immediate response. Appointments are available after business hours and on weekends.
Types of Computer and Internet Crimes
There are many categories of computer and internet crimes. The penalties resulting from a conviction for an internet and computer crime will vary and depend on the type of crime charged and the circumstances surrounding the case. Some of the most common computer and internet crimes include:
- Identity theft
- Possession or distribution of child pornography
- Unauthorized entry into a computer or computer network (hacking)
- Luring or online solicitation of a minor
- Credit card fraud
- Bank or wire fraud
- Cyber-stalking
- Cyber-bullying
- Online harassment
- Impersonating another person online
- Transmitting indecent photos via text, e-mail or social media
Penalties for Computer and Internet Crimes
The penalties for computer and internet crimes can be extremely severe and depend on many factors, including the severity of the offense, the prior criminal record of the accused and any financial loss to the victim. Some of the most common computer and internet crimes and penalties include the following:
Online Harassment
- 3rd degree misdemeanor
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to $2,500 in fines
Online Stalking
- 1st degree misdemeanor
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
Possession of Child Pornography
- 3rd degree felony
- Up to 7 years in prison
- Up to $15,000 in fines
Computer Trespass
- 3rd degree felony
- Up to 7 years in prison
- Up to $15,000 in fines
Computer Theft
- 3rd degree felony
- Up to 7 years in prison
- Up to $15,000 in fines
Unlawful Use of Computers and E-mail
- 3rd degree felony
- Up to 7 years in prison
- Up to $15,000 in fines
Developing a Strategic Defense from the Start
It is critical to retain a criminal defense attorney as soon as you are under investigation or have been charged with an internet or computer crime. In some cases, I may be able to negotiate with the state or federal prosecutor to prevent the filing of criminal charges or the issuance of an indictment. In other cases, it may be beneficial for the accused to agree to submit to a law-enforcement administered polygraph test to establish his or her innocence.
Pre-Arrest Defense Investigation
In certain cases, it is possible to establish through a pre-arrest investigation that the accused did not commit the crime being investigated by law enforcement authorities. Providing the prosecutor with this type of evidence is often a successful pre-arrest or pre-indictment strategy to help a suspect avoid facing criminal charges.
Some of the most important legal decisions in a criminal case are often made before the charges are filed or before an indictment is issued. I can determine the most effective legal strategy to use based on the facts of your case.
Computer and Internet Crimes Defense
Being accused of a computer or internet crime can be an anxiety-provoking ordeal often causing severe personal and professional consequences for the accused and his or her family members. I will thoroughly examine and investigate the facts of the case to establish the strongest possible defense against the charges.
Most importantly, I will comprehensively analyze all of the evidence in the case to discover any weaknesses in the prosecutor’s evidence. I am highly knowledgeable in all state and federal computer and internet criminal laws and legal defenses.
Search and Seizure Violations in Computer Crimes Cases
Computer and internet crime investigations routinely involve the search and seizure of evidence by law enforcement agents. In many cases, law enforcement officials will conduct a search and seizure of evidence in violation of the suspect’s state and federal constitutional rights.
I will challenge the unlawful search and seizure of any evidence by law enforcement officers such as computers, cellphones, or other electronic devices by filing a Motion to Suppress Evidence. As a consequence, the trial judge may exclude the prosecutor from using evidence obtained in violation of a suspect’s constitutional rights if the Suppression Motion is granted.
Common defenses to computer and internet crimes may include entrapment, insufficient evidence of a crime, unreliable computer evidence or establishing the lack of intent to commit the crime by the accused. I will review the evidence in your case to develop the most effective legal strategy.
The Importance of a Digital Forensic Expert
The majority of computer and internet crimes involve the transmission of electronic data or digital evidence through cellphones, computers, smartphones, USB flash drives, servers, external hard drives, tablets, and other electronic devices. My professional network includes many experienced and highly trained experts in the field of digital forensics.
A digital forensics expert can independently evaluate the electronic data uncovered as the result of a cell phone extraction conducted by the police on a suspect’s cellphone. In many instances, I have used an independent digital forensics expert to locate, recover and analyze electronically stored data found on digital devices to establish the innocence of individuals charged with computer and internet crimes.
Unlike law enforcement officials, a defense digital forensics expert will provide a reliable and impartial evaluation of the evidence in your case.
Digital Forensics Investigation and Social Media
Many computer and internet crimes involve the transmission of digital information such as videos, photographs, replies, comments, and other messages on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and others. In many of these cases, digital evidence favorable to the accused has been deleted or otherwise destroyed.
A digital forensics expert can often uncover deleted data from a hard drive, server, or another storage platform that will contradict the prosecution’s evidence and provide a defense against the charges.
Unauthorized Third-Party Access Defense in Computer Crimes
In some cases, a digital forensics expert can establish the innocence of the accused by proving that an unauthorized third party used a computer, wireless network, or internet protocol address (IP address) to commit crimes online. In other cases, a digital forensics expert can demonstrate that others had access to the suspect’s computer or other electronic devices at the time of the crime.
Defense digital forensics experts can be called to testify at trial to rebut the opinions and conclusions of the prosecutor’s trial experts. I will examine the evidence in your case to determine whether a digital forensics expert could assist in your legal defense.
Start with a Strong Defense
If you have been charged with a computer or internet crime in Bucks County, Montgomery County and the surrounding counties, it is critical to act quickly to protect your rights and build the strongest possible defense against the charges. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day at (215) 752-5282. Call today for a free initial consultation or fill out the confidential contact form for an immediate response.
