Internet Crimes

Internet Crimes and computer online fraudAn internet crime or “cyber-crime” by definition is any offense committed with the use of a computer or a computer network. With the wave of technology constantly evolving, and to keep up with the number of crimes committed using the web on a regular basis, the Los Angeles Police Department has set up its own Cyber Crimes Unit to find, investigate, and help prosecute individuals suspected of internet crimes.

The FBI also has a number of task force units designed to find and arrest people using the internet for criminal activity.

They have their own teams, and you should too. If you or a loved one is under investigation or have been arrested for an internet crime, you’ll need a Los Angeles internet crime lawyer in your corner. Call Shield Criminal Defense Law to speak with an internet attorney about your case (213) 514-8732.

Speak with a Los Angeles Internet Crime Attorney Now

Shield Criminal Defense Law represents clients in cases involving the following types of Internet crimes:

  • Check fraud
  • Credit card fraud
  • Sale of counterfeit and stolen goods
  • Computer hacking
  • Identity theft
  • Impersonation
  • Cyberbullying
  • Cyberstalking

Internet sex crimes also comprise a large portion of prosecuted cyber-crimes, including charges of:

  • Child pornography
  • Chat room luring and the online solicitation of a minor
  • Receiving or sending illegal images
  • Pop-ups of child pornography or obscene images
  • File sharing and pornography
  • Soliciting prostitution

Whether you’re an amateur hacker or an internet user whose curiosity led him to a child pornography site, it is imperative to find someone to represent your interests in the courtroom. Seeing how progressive today’s legislation is, you are not likely to be able to prove your innocence on your own. Internet crimes are now targeted all over the country by local and federal authorities, and simply acting on curiosity can make you a suspect.

The best thing you can do to protect yourself against an Internet Crime allegation is to contact an experienced Los Angeles internet crime lawyer today.

Due to the rapid advancement of technology, the punishments for breaking the laws are becoming exponentially more severe. Not long ago, the maximum punishment for internet crime convictions lasted for a few months, compare that to the present where a convicted offender is likely to be put behind bars for years, particularly if he is found guilty of a federal offense.

Are there any defenses to Cyber Crimes?

Although many internet crime convictions can involve serious legal consequences, our Los Angeles internet attorney can explore several ways to defend your case:

  • You were authorized – The person being charged with cyber-crimes was actually authorized to access the information
  • Lack of knowledge – Many cyber-crimes, such as internet fraud, require that the defendant knew what they were doing and had malicious intent to engage the victim in fraud.
  • You were coerced – It can sometimes be a defense if a person was forced to commit cyber-crime under threat of harm or punishment to themselves or a loved one
  • Proving your innocence through IP or “time stamp” tracing- Computer databases and systems have the ability to track activity, such as log in times and the location information was sent or accessed from.

Even if you intentionally viewed obscene or illicit material, a history of sexual abuse, drug, alcohol, or mental health problems could convince the court to reduce the sentence or order an alternative sentence. Oftentimes, being charged with this kind of crime can be a wake-up call to receive help, and end up improving your mental health and the quality of life in the long run.

Internet Crime can be a tricky and vague type of law. Because of its ever changing nature, you need an attorney who can help defend your charges by keeping up with current legislation, imploring the help of trained IT professionals, and providing an aggressive defense against the prosecutor’s allegations.

Call an experienced Los Angeles Internet Crime Attorney today for a free consultation, (213) 514-8732