Computer Crime & Theft Defense Attorney in Dallas
Computer crime or “cybercrime” commonly refers to any violation of the law in which a computer serves as the object, subject, or instrument of the crime. Stealing computer hardware or software, hacking into someone else’s network, engaging in online identity theft, or viewing child pornography on the web are all examples of cybercrimes.
If you have been charged with a computer crime, you should seek help immediately from an experienced Dallas computer crime lawyer who understands the highly complicated legal and technical issues that these charges can involve.
Our Dallas white-collar crime lawyers at Broden & Mickelsen, LLP, have successfully defended numerous clients facing cybercrime charges in state and federal courts. We can use that knowledge and experience to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Call or reach us online today to learn more about how we can assist with your computer crime defense in Dallas. We can provide a free and confidential consultation.
Common Types of Computer Crime Allegations We Defend Against
A computer crime can be any violation of criminal law that involves computers or the Internet. Some of the most common types of cybercrime charges include:
This occurs when a person gains unauthorized access to a computer network and all of its data. Hackers can access private and government networks. The purpose of hacking is often to steal valuable information or disrupt operations or commit cyberterrorism.
This occurs when a person uses some type of malware – typically a “Trojan horse” that masks its true intent – to lock digital files on a computer or network and demand payment before they will be released. Ransomware typically infects a person’s computer when they open an email or click on a link.
This occurs when someone floods a company website with service requests. The flood of requests can overload or crash the site.
This occurs when someone adds, alters, erases, or suppresses computer data or programs or interferes with a computer network with the goal of disrupting the functioning of the computer or network. A ransomware attack is a form of computer sabotage.
Piracy involves the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of software – typically to use or sell counterfeit copies of the software.
This occurs when a person obtains someone else’s personal information, such as a Social Security number – often obtaining the information through malware – and uses that information to commit theft or fraud.
This occurs when someone manipulates another online – typically through emails or text messages – to get the person to divulge personal or confidential information. This is a type of fraud. Phishing can also be initiated on social media sites like Facebook or online dating sites.
Beyond phishing, many other types of fraud can be committed using computers and the web, such as credit card fraud.
This occurs when someone uses the Internet to stalk or harass another, such as a classmate, co-worker, partner or spouse, or a company or organization. Cyberbullying is a particular concern as it can involve acts such as posting private and embarrassing photos online.
Many state and federal authorities are cracking down on the sale of drugs online. The penalties that a person charged with drug trafficking faces in federal court can be astonishingly severe.
It is unlawful to create, disseminate, or possess sexual images of minors. State and federal laws provide tough penalties for convictions on this offense. You could also face prosecution if you find child pornography on someone else’s computer or distributed online and fail to report it to the proper authorities.
Adult online predators often pose as young people and try to lure minors into sexual relationships, including getting children to provide sexual images online.
Defenses in Computer Crime Cases
At Broden & Mickelsen, LLP, we assert defenses on behalf of our clients charged with computer crimes such as:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure – If you have a privacy interest that is unreasonably intruded upon by the government, any evidence that the government obtains from the illegal search and seizure of material from your computer or network may be suppressed. If crucial evidence is not allowed to be used against you, the government may be left without a case to prosecute.
- Insufficient Evidence – What the government must show to establish that cybercrime was committed will depend on the specific crime. However, where a state of mind such as intent must be proven, a potential defense may be that you did not act knowingly.
- Consent – If a defendant can show that a person with the capacity to give consent knowingly and voluntarily allowed someone else to access their computer or network, it may defeat the government’s case.
- Entrapment – In some situations, law enforcement agencies such as the FBI may go too far in their efforts to crack down on cybercrime and trick people into committing unlawful acts online to initiate or further an investigation or prosecution.
- Duty – One may also assert as a defense that they were carrying out their duties as an employee of a communications carrier or electric utility and were acting in the scope and course of their employment when the alleged cybercrime occurred.
