Computer Crimes

Computer Crimes

Norfolk Criminal Defense Lawyer

With the use of computers so prevalent, computer crimes have peaked. The estimated annual cost over global cybercrime is 100 billion. According to statistics, there are 556 million victims of cybercrime annually, over 1.5 million victims of cybercrime per day and 18 victims of cybercrime per second.

Computer crime incidents and the sophistication of computer criminals have risen, according to law enforcement, and, as a result, cybercrime has become one of the top priorities for law enforcement agencies across the country.

Types of Computer Crimes

Computer crimes have been defined as "any crime that involves a computer and a network. The computer may have been used in the commission of a crime, or it may be the target."

Examples of cybercrime include:

  • Computer fraud/ identity theft/financial theft
  • Computer trespass/hacking/phishing scams
  • Malware
  • Computer viruses
  • Denial-of-service attack
  • Copyright infringement
  • Information warfare
  • Espionage/cyber warfare (activity crossing international borders)

Cybercrime can also involve the following (see sex crimes):

  • Cyberstalking
  • Child pornography/child grooming

Why Retain a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you were accused of a computer crime, it is imperative that you retain legal assistance immediately! Because of the wide variety of cybercrimes and their rise in occurrence, prosecution for this crime is aggressive. At the same time, because cybercrimes can be carried out using many different tactics, law enforcement may not have the experience necessary to nail down the real culprit.

As a result, you can all too easily become the victim. Because this crime is faceless, it is all too easy for law enforcement investigators to target the wrong individuals based upon circumstantial evidence only. If you are an IT professional, for example, you could be charged with a computer-related crime if a system or network you have access to is compromised and you face the blame.

Records could be obtained from your computer that could be used against you and the penalties for these crimes can be harsh as computer crimes can produce multiple victims and cross state or international lines. If you are implicated in a cybercrime, it is important you understand how to protect yourself.

If you have been charged with a cybercrime in Norfolk, VA, Curcione Law, PLC can help you uphold your innocence and fight for your rights! Contact us today at (757) 777-9207.