Orange County Internet Crimes Defense Lawyers
Internet Crimes
CASES WE HANDLE
Attorney Jeremy N. Goldman has substantial experience representing individuals charged with white collar crimes:
- Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
- Bribery
- Ponzi schemes
- Racketeering
- Game fixing
- Computer crimes (e.g., hacking, phishing)
The arena of Internet law is relatively new. As the technology has become more accessible and prevalent in our society, legislation has been instituted to try to regulate online behavior. Generally speaking, conduct that is illegal in "real life" is illegal on the Internet as well. It is the new classifications of crimes, however, that have changed the way Internet crime defense attorneys and prosecutors do their jobs.
California's Computer Crime Act attempts to identify and label the manners in which individuals attempt to circumvent the law using computers. "Hacking" into computer systems, spreading viruses, or accessing computer data when you are not authorized to do so are examples of the types of statutes contained in the act. As the act explains, it is the goal of the legislature in the Computer Crime Act to:
"expand the degree of protection afforded to individuals, businesses, and governmental agencies from tampering, interference, damage, and unauthorized access to lawfully created computer data and computer systems."
California law (Penal Code 502) prohibits "hacking," which is defined as unauthorized access, damage, tampering or interference with a lawfully created data system. The scope of this statute includes accessing data or using a specific computer or terminal without being authorized to do so. This law also extends to the alteration or destroying of data or systems of data, which could be interpreted to extend to those individuals who create malicious programs like viruses and Trojan horses. Infractions can be charged as a misdemeanor, which could carry a sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine of $5,000, or a felony, which could result in a three-year prison term and fines reaching $10,000.
The California Internet crime attorneys at The Law Offices of Jeremy N. Goldman have experience dealing with all sorts of Internet related crimes white collar crimes in California, including, but not limited to:
- Spamming – which relates to sending unsolicited emails
- Hacking – accessing computer systems or data without authorization
- Writing or distributing malicious programs
- Credit card fraud
- Identity theft
- Auction fraud
- Phishing – which involves soliciting personal information by impersonating a business
Contact Jeremy Goldman
Those that are charged with an Internet crime in California can face some serious penalties. Due to the infancy of these types of crimes and legislature, there are often no precedents for sentencing. And with the advent and popularity of the Internet, many over-zealous judges and prosecutors hope to send a message by harshly and unjustly penalizing an individual. The California computer crimes attorneys at the Law offices of Jeremy N. Goldman have extensive experience dealing with these types of crimes. We understand the entire criminal process and can anticipate how a prosecutor will build a case, enabling us to devise a sound, effective defense strategy. Contact us today for a consultation of your situation at 1-800-349-1619.
