Cyber Crimes Defense Lawyer
Just because the internet isn’t a real place doesn’t mean there are no consequences to breaking rules online. Below are some of the common internet crimes, though these crimes are often tried under other titles like theft and fraud. If you have been charged with an internet crime, it’s important to understand the actual charges you’re facing. Schedule a FREE consultation with Stuart Cearley today to discuss the details of your case and decide on a course of action that is in your best interest.
What is an Internet Crime?
Internet or cyber crime is simply defined as a crime being committed by means of using the internet. Computer crimes include but is not limited to phishing, bank robbery, credit card fraud, illegal downloading, industrial espionage, child pornography, kidnapping of children via chat rooms, scams, creation of and/or distribution of viruses, cyberterrorism, and spam. The evolution of the internet has brought along a revolution of criminals understanding the “superhighway” of information, which is why crimes committed on the internet have become a growing issue in the United States.
Internet Crime Statistics
In 2020 the FBI’s Internet Crime and Complaint Center released an annual report, including information from 791,790 complaints, an increase of more than 300,000 from the year before, reporting losses exceeding $4.2 billion. The top three crimes reported were phishing scams, non-payment/non-delivery scams, and extortion; victims lost the most money through email compromise scams, romance and confidence schemes, and investment fraud. Notably, scams exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in 2020, with reports of 28,500 complaints, targeting individuals as well as businesses.
“One of the biggest mistakes business owners or government officials make when weighing the risk of a cyberattack is assuming they have nothing worth breaking into or stealing… Every government and every business probably have something of interest to an adversary.” - James Dawson, special agent in charge at the FBI’s office in Little Rock. Dawson also said, “Sometimes criminals attempt to breach a business's security just to see if they can, and once they're in, they have the freedom to attack that system or try to use it as a foothold to jump to another system that might be the primary target.”
Accused of cyber or internet crimes?
If you have been accused of computer or internet crime in Arkansas, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you protect your rights and defend yourself against the charges. Understanding the law, the charges, the possible the penalties and your options for defending yourself is critical. With Cearley Law will ensure that you completely understand that which you are facing, and you will feel secure that we are with you every step of the way.
Internet Crimes vary and can include a wide range of charges. Cyber & internet fraud, hacking, malware attacks, distributed denial of service, cyberbullying, online intellectual property theft, cyber stalking, online extortion, phishing, cyber espionage, cyber terrorism, online harassment, carding, spoofing, pharming, and online auction fraud are all examples of internet and cybercrimes varying degrees of consequences, range from misdemeanors to felony charges. If you have been charged with any of these activities, it is imperative that you speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and that you can defend yourself against the charges. If the case goes to court, the team will create a solid defense strategy and will represent and defend you and will tenaciously fight for your rights in a court of law. If convicted, an appeal process can be explored and initiated.
Negotiations, to try to facilitate a resolution prior to the legal proceedings, are also a strategy that can occur. If amenable, this could include making amends to the victim by paying restitution, apologizing, or taking other steps to rectify the situation.
Cybercrimes Defense Attorney in Arkansas
If previously convicted of internet crimes, Cearley Law Group can facilitate the expungement or sealing of your criminal record after the designated period time passes. This will ensure that your criminal record will be removed from public view and cannot be obtained by most employers, landlords and organizations. In addition, the restoration of your civil rights, such as voting rights and gun ownership, can be pursued.
With a skilled, experienced, and vibrant legal team in Arkansas, Stuart Cearley, Attorney at Law will help you feel secure dealing with the precarious legal path that lies ahead. You can be confident that your rights will be protected and you will be well represented. Contact us today for a free consultation to determine if we are the right team for you.