Internet & Computer Crimes
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of computers and the Internet to commit fraud and other criminal offenses. Law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies have responded to the emergence of computer crimes and have dedicated specialized units to detect, investigate and ultimately prosecute these offenders. In some cases, computer offenses or Internet crimes may involve complex white collar schemes requiring a great deal of technological savvy. In other cases, a computer or Internet crime may be as simple as trying to get another person’s identifying information by sending a deceptive or misleading email. The broad category of “computer crimes” can cover a wide variety of unlawful behavior.
One fact is certain: the United States Government monitors internet activity. Whether an individual is simply “surfing the net”, downloading content through peer-to-peer file-sharing programs, or communicating in a chat-room, law enforcement surveillance should be assumed, and there is no anonymity in an individual’s of his or her computer. Based on internet surveillance and monitoring, federal agents investigating internet crimes can and do obtain warrant to seize computers. And, contrary to common belief, deleting a file or content from a computer does not make it disappear. Federal agents investigating internet crimes possess the computer programs, time, and funding to retrieve date thought deleted or destroyed.
Computer hacking, fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, internet extortion, investment fraud, Ponzi/pyramid schemes, investment fraud, lotteries, internet auction fraud, phishing/spoofing (forged electronic documents), and spam can all result in an investigation and potential prosecution for federal internet crimes, or cyber-crimes.
If accused of committing a criminal offense via the Internet, you may be prosecuted at either the state or federal level depending on the circumstances in your particular case. Certain offenses are typically charged as misdemeanors, while others are considered felony crimes and will leave you facing serious penalties if convicted. Our team provides effective, aggressive defense strategies in an effort to protect your legal rights and freedom.
There are many computer crimes an individual may be accused of committing, including but not limited to:
- Internet sales fraud
- Identity theft and financial fraud
- Criminal pirating
- Credit card and bank fraud
- Cyberstalking
- Computer crimes involving children (enticement, pornography)
- Illegal sale of prescription drugs online
- Hacking into a computer or network
- Illegal downloading and file sharing
Our team of criminal lawyers are well-versed in computer crimes and have defended many clients against cyber-crime charges and various related computer crime charges. These are serious charges that can leave you facing lengthy prison terms, significant financial penalties and other restrictions upon release. By working closely with our clients and exhaustively researching any arrest-related documentation, we can establish a strong defense that will target out-of-date legislation, mistakes in evidence collection, arrest or prosecution, and more. Our number one priority is to see your case to a favorable result; we will do everything in our legal power to see that happen.
Hiring an Experienced Criminal Attorney
Hiring a experienced and locally based criminal attorney is an important step in the criminal process. A Phoenix criminal lawyer should be hired within the week following an arrest. A skilled criminal attorney should have specialized knowledge and access to the resources necessary to competently defend you and successfully fight your criminal charges.
The criminal defense attorneys at Phoenix Criminal Lawyer are dedicated to providing the highest-quality defense available to our clients. It all starts with your free case review, where you can get a better idea of the legal road ahead. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary and private consultation with our superior criminal lawyers.