Hartford Internet Crimes Defense Attorneys
Expert legal defense against cybercrime charges in Hartford & Manchester, CT
Although many of us would like to think so, the internet is never really private. Just about every single thing we do online is documented somewhere or traceable in some way. In some circumstances, just visiting certain websites, like filesharing sites for downloading or uploading video or audio files, can catch the attention of local and federal authorities. Some federal agencies monitor certain websites for visitor traffic and pass on suspicious activity to state law enforcement.
Considering that just about everyone has Wi-Fi in their home and offices – and in some cases, their networks are unsecured – it’s not hard to imagine that anyone can find his or her way into your network and commit an internet crime. Or, you may unintentionally commit a crime by simply clicking on the wrong link or by accidentally downloading a virus to your computer. If you’re facing either federal or state internet criminal charges, it’s imperative you consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
If you believe you’re being investigated for internet or cybercrimes, or are already facing charges, the Hartford fraud crime defense attorneys at Barry, Taylor & Levesque, LLC can help you take the right action to protect yourself. Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, you could be facing serious penalties and fines upon conviction. Let us help you work to ensure a positive outcome for your case.
What are internet crimes?
Internet crimes occur when, as they sound, an individual uses the internet to commit a criminal offense in the state of Connecticut. Under CGS § 53a-250, internet crimes can include theft, fraud, piracy, harassment, and others. And, depending on the specifics of the situation, internet crimes can be charged at the state or federal level – meaning if convicted, penalties can be severe.
Some other internet crimes our attorneys aggressively defend our clients against include:
- Accessing another’s email or computer records
- Bank fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Downloading or distributing child pornography
- Embezzlement
- Hacking another person’s computer
- Harassment and bullying
- Internet stalking
- Phishing scams
Our Hartford criminal defense attorneys have years of experience handling internet crimes – from lesser white-collar crimes to internet sex crimes. The penalties for these types of crimes can vary widely, depending on the type of alleged offense, as well as any past criminal record of the defendant. They can include anything from fines to prison time, depending on the level of the crime and what the judge believes is just punishment.
Penalties for internet fraud and cybercrime in Hartford
Under state statutes, the majority of internet crimes fall under Class B misdemeanors to Class B felonies. Penalties for computer and internet crime are typically based on the amount of monetary damage inflicted on the victim, as follows:
- An individual may be convicted of computer crime in the first degree when the damage to or value of the property or services exceeds $10,000. This is a Class B felony.
- An individual may be convicted of computer crime in the second degree when the damage to or value of the property or services exceeds $5,000. This is a Class C felony.
- An individual may be convicted of computer crime in the third degree when the damage to or value of the property or services exceeds $1,000. This is a Class D felony.
- An individual may be convicted of computer crime in the fourth degree when the damage to or value of the property or services exceeds $500. This is a Class A misdemeanor.
- An individual may be convicted of computer crime in the fifth degree when the damage to or value of the property or services is $500 or less. This is a Class B misdemeanor.
- It’s also crucial to note that crimes like child porn or other sex crimes committed via computer are much more serious and are punished more severely by the courts.
A felony conviction in CT can include a prison sentence of 20 years or more, depending on the circumstances of the internet crime. Experienced criminal defense lawyers like those at Barry, Taylor & Levesque, LLC can explain the charges against you in detail as well as work with prosecutors to lessen or drop the charges against you.
There’s another caveat to state law regarding internet and cybercrime when it’s too difficult for the courts to determine the amount of property damaged (for example, by a virus that affected an entire network), or when standard sentencing guidelines don’t apply. Under G.S. 53a-237, the court is authorized to impose a fine on the defendant instead, “not to exceed double” the defendant’s gain from the offense he or she has been convicted of committing.
These fines may be significant, but are sometimes an option for lessening the charges against you and avoiding jail time. Our attorneys can provide more details and guidance regarding your specific legal situation.
Remember, many internet crime cases hinge on evidence gathered by law enforcement. Your Fourth Amendment rights protect you from illegal search and seizure, and when we take your case, we launch a detailed investigation to find out if your rights were violated by authorities. We inspect all evidence with our network of experts, looking for possibilities that another individual had access to your computer, or that you unknowingly downloaded a harmful virus.
Reputable Hartford internet crimes defense lawyers
If you’ve been arrested and charged with an internet or cybercrime, you need qualified legal defense. The criminal defense attorneys at Barry, Taylor & Levesque, LLC protect your constitutional rights and build a strong, strategic defense on your behalf. Our job is to ensure you’re treated fairly and protect your future. Call us today. We’re located on W. Center Street in Manchester. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers in Hartford or Manchester, please call 860-649-4400 or fill out our contact form.