The internet is everything in this day and age—playground, workplace, learning zone, and an all-around great way to kill time. However, it is also a place where crime can happen, and many crimes involving the internet are serious charges under either state or federal laws. Facing these charges can be an intimidating experience, but you don’t have to do it alone. A defense attorney can help you fight your criminal allegations in the courtroom. When you are ready to talk to an internet crime lawyer, contact the attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter to discuss your case.
While some types of crimes are specific to the online world, the internet is also a place where old crimes are wearing a new face. A wide variety of criminal offenses that used to just take place in person, via phone or via mail are now being conducted over the internet. Here are some examples of internet crimes:
Hacking is the act of accessing, downloading or altering a computer or network data without permission, and it is a criminal offense under both state and federal laws. Section 502 of the California Penal Code deems that hacking is a “wobbler” offense, which means that it could be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the monetary value of the data that was downloaded or altered during the alleged crime. United States Code Title 18 Section 1030 also describes hacking as a federal offense. Regardless of whether someone charged with a hacking crime is charged at the state or federal level, fines and incarceration are possible penalties for those who are convicted.
Phishing is defined as an act of identity theft conducted online wherein a party “fishes” for information using deceptive means. If a conviction is reached, fines and jail or prison sentences (up to 10,000 dollars and up to 3 years in state prison for a felony charge) are potential penalties for this crime. Depending on the unique circumstances surrounding the alleged crime, someone accused of phishing could also face stacked charges, including theft or fraud-related charges.
If you have been accused of one of these or any other online crimes, contact the criminal defense specialists at Okabe and Haushalter to learn more about your legal options.
If you need an internet crime lawyer in Long Beach, contact the attorneys at Okabe and Haushalter. We have offices located throughout the L.A. area ready to serve you. Our commitment to vigorously defending our clients has given us a reputation for courtroom excellence, and we will use our proven defense tactics to reach a desirable outcome for your case. We know the California Penal Code and the U.S. Code down to the letter, and we can put that know-how to work for you. Call today for a free consultation.
