Internet Crimes

When it comes to computer and Internet crimes, the sentences are almost always severe. Also termed “cybercrimes,” these crimes are usually classified as felonies, and because the Internet has no geographic borders, it is immensely easy to be charged at the federal level, as well as the state. Any federal charge is going to result in the full resources of the state and federal governments being used against you. A conviction will be nothing short of devastating for a person’s personal and professional life, particularly for a sex crime. This is why consulting a Pittsburgh internet crime lawyer is an important step to take.

These are some of the computer crimes that bear federal charges:

• Unauthorized access of the Computer
• Computer tampering
• Illegal downloading
• Cyber fraud
• Identity theft
• Unlawful duplication of software
• Launching malware and viruses
• Cyber terrorism
• Online Stalking

An Overview of Internet Crimes

Computer Trespassing: if you access someone else’s computer without his/her consent, steal valuable information like credit card numbers or passwords, and take funds electronically from banks and other businesses, you will be charged with unauthorized access of computer or hacking. This may not be a result of financial concerns, but may also be motivated from revenge, political agenda or the spiteful nature of some individuals.

Computer tampering: If you use unauthorized access, exceed your system authorization for modifying your computer programs or an operating network and tamper with the system or make changes to cause damage, you can be arrested with computer tampering. The severity of the punishment depends on the intention of tampering and the extent of damage caused due to it. However, an internet crime attorney in Pittsburgh can work hard to help you fight the charges.

Software Piracy: If you duplicate software or make unauthorized copies of copyrighted software, you can be charged with the illegal duplication of software. Such unlawful situations covering duplication of software includes counterfeiting, unbundling, softloading, and internet downloading.

Copyright Infringement: If you are caught downloading copyrighted ebooks, movies, and music from an online forum, emailing copyrighted ebooks, music, and movies to people, or posting copyrighted items to a forum from where people can download it for free, you can be charged with a copyright infringement offense. It is illegal to download these without the permission of the copyright holder.

Using computers and email unlawfully: This refers to taking one’s permitted access to a computer network or a single computer, and using it to defraud or disrupt the life of someone else. This charge covers the knowing and intentional publication of information of a confidential nature that was stored on a computer, and the unauthorized, intentional deletion of data that was associated with a certain computer.

Any kind of internet crime violates both the state and federal laws. But federal convictions levy much more severe penalties as opposed to the state convictions. If you or someone close to you has been charged with any Internet crime, it is of immense importance to protect your rights as soon as possible by partnering with a skilled Pittsburgh internet crime attorney.

Because of our Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney’s skill in litigation, we can build the strongest possible case to mitigate consequences as best as we can in the event we are unable to obtain a dismissal. We are prepared to work on nearly any Internet criminal charges involving:

• Hacking
• Internet harassment
• Solicitation of a minor
• Fraud

Internet Crimes

The importance of early, decisive, and deliberate action cannot be overrated in these types of cases. The layers of nuance require the strongest defense from the earliest stages. We strongly encourage you to reach out as soon as possible.

To get in touch and schedule a free initial consultation to discuss any Internet crime charge, including child pornography charges, with an experienced internet crime lawyer in the Pittsburgh area, contact us online or call (844) PITT-DUI.

For the definition and examples of internet crimes, please see the Pennsylvania Code, Title 204, Section 303.2.