In the year 2018, computer crime is no longer something only top-secret foreign government agents can be accused of. In the world when pretty much every American is using the Internet and has a social media account, cybercrime, aka e-crime, affects millions of people every year.
And you can not only be targeted by hackers who illegally browse or steal your private information, but also be accused of hacking and computer crimes even though you haven’t done anything illegal or wrong.
There are quite a few offenses that can be categorized as computer crimes, but the most common cybercrimes are:
Depending on the type and severity of the accusation, penalties will vary from one case to another. But penalties are not the only thing you – like someone being accused of computer crime – are facing, as consequences of cybercrimes can also ruin your career and reputation, especially if you’re facing child pornography and similar charges, our Los Angeles computer crime defense attorney explains.
Fines. If you’ve been convicted of a computer crime, you will most likely be facing fines. Typically, a misdemeanor conviction relating to cybercrimes will result in fines of several hundred dollars. A felony conviction, on the other hand, can result in serious fines up to $100,000 or more.
Prison sentence. It may seem absurd, but you can go to jail for certain cyber and internet crimes. If you’re facing serious crimes, you could be imprisoned for 20 years or more.
Probation. Probation sentences for cyber crimes typically last at least one year and can be imposed along with fines and even a prison sentence. Probation can change your life dramatically, as you will be required to report to a probation officer, be monitored by law enforcement, and do your best to not commit any more crimes (as this will lead to even more serious consequences).
In the world where judges and juries believe that hackers can influence the outcome of presidential elections, and when even encrypted data of governmental departments can be stolen by hackers online, being accused of cybercrime is no longer something far-fetched or unrealistic.
Computer crime charges are not something you would want to play around with, as the consequences can be too severe to handle. Do not attempt to prove your innocence in a computer crime lawsuit alone without being legally represented by a Los Angeles cybercrime attorney.
It’s highly advised to seek the legal advice of an attorney to either reduce the severity of or avoid punishment for cybercrimes. Here at Okabe & Haushalter, our best criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles can help present proof of your innocence in a way that would resonate with local courts, police, and prosecutors.
Contact our attorneys to let us review your case and provide you with the legal advice based on the facts of your case and California laws. Get a free consultation by calling our Los Angeles offices at 310-430-7799 or complete this contact form.
