Defending Alleged Cyber Crimes in Punta Gorda
As the United States continues to advance, technology becomes more and more important to our daily lives. This is excellent in and of itself, but has also come to be problematic for those who are unaware or are not cautious with their information when they are online. As the internet has advanced, so have the schemes of criminals who use the internet to trick and defraud people into providing their personal information while believing there are submitting it to a safe and valid site.
Different internet crimes include the following:
- Fraud (particularly credit fraud)
- Identity theft
- Copyright infringement/piracy
- Drug trafficking
- Predation, stalking and sex crimes
- Malware/Spyware
Many of these offenses, from fraud to piracy to drug trafficking, can be federal crimes that are handled by the FBI. In such cases, aggressive and experienced criminal defense is of the essence.
Penalties For Internet Crimes
Chapter 815 of the Florida Statutes (2012) contains Florida’s computer-related crime laws. “Hacking” is a felony under § 815.04. Altering, damaging, or removing any program, data, or part of a computer system without permission per § 815.06 is a third degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Doing so with the intent of defrauding or obtaining property is a second degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Spam, viruses, and property damage against computer users is a second degree felony, unless it endangers the user’s life. Then it is a first degree felony punishable by up to 30 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
Schedule A Free Consult
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your internet crime charges and find out how our Punta Gorda lawyers could fight for a dismissal in court. Call 941-621-6623 or send an email.