Were you or a family member arrested and charged with a federal computer crime in San Diego, CA? Federal charges carry notoriously harsh penalties, and you may be facing significant jail time. It’s important to start protecting your legal rights immediately. An experienced federal computer crimes lawyer at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers can start building your case today.
Our lawyers have over ten years of experience handling complex criminal cases in Southern California. We’re prepared to use our experience to your advantage.
Facing federal criminal charges can be frightening. Our federal crimes lawyers are here to protect you, so call our law offices in San Diego, California, to schedule a free consultation today at (619) 357-4977.
How Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers Can Help if You Were Arrested for a Federal Computer Crime in San Diego
Federal crimes always require a different approach than state crimes. Federal cases involving computer crimes are even more complicated. You deserve an experienced defense lawyer on your side.
At Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers, we only handle criminal cases. We’ve been helping clients like you for more than a decade, so we know which defense strategies are likely to succeed. Our lawyers have been rated by Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers. We also maintain a perfect-10 Avvo rating.
Hiring our lawyers means you’ll have a team to:
- Conduct an independent investigation into the allegations
- Obtain and analyze all of the federal prosecutor’s evidence
- Identify any weaknesses in the government’s case against you
- Negotiate to have the charges reduced or your case dismissed
- Help you understand the consequences of any plea bargain
- Vigorously defend you at trial if necessary
Federal courts take computer crimes cases seriously. You should, too. If you’re facing charges, call to get help from an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney today.
Overview of the Laws on Federal Computer Crimes
Computer crimes are a relatively new area of law. Now, they’re a significant issue that can impact every aspect of our lives. Of course, that’s because computers have played an increasingly important role in our lives during the past few decades.
In fact, the FBI has now established an entire Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Computer and internet crimes can be charged under both California state law and federal law. Federal authorities tend to get involved in criminal cases involving the most serious allegations.
A computer crime is not one single criminal offense. Computer crimes can take on many forms. Some of the most common types of cybercrimes include:
- Identity theft and fraud under 18 U.S.C. 1028
- Money laundering
- Wire fraud
- Email scams and phishing
- Internet stalking or cyberstalking
- Credit card fraud under 18 U.S.C. 1029
- Cyberbullying and threats
- Blackmail and extortion
- Computer hacking or gaining unauthorized access to computer networks under 18 U.S.C. 1030
- Unlawfully gaining access to a person’s online information
- Coercing or exploiting minors online under 18 U.S.C. 2422
- Child pornography under 18 U.S.C. 2252
- Child exploitation
The United States Attorney General is responsible for prosecuting federal computer crimes. Most of these crimes are also criminal offenses in the state of California.
When Will I Be Charged With a Federal Crime?
The federal government tends to get involved if one or more of the following are involved:
- The crime is particularly severe, such as situations involving the distribution of child pornography or identity theft schemes
- The crime crosses state lines (as is the case with most cyber crimes)
- The crime involves a high dollar value
- The case involves customs violations or international issues
A computer crime that is charged at the federal level will likely be investigated by one or more federal agencies, such as:
- National Cyber Security Alliance
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- National Sheriffs Association
Our lawyers have years of experience handling complex federal cases. If you were arrested or suspect that you’re under investigation, call an experienced federal computer crimes attorney at Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers for a free case review today.
What Are the Penalties if I’m Convicted of a Federal Computer Crime?
The penalties for a conviction will depend on the nature of the criminal charges involved. For example, if you’re convicted on federal hacking charges, you could face up to 20 years in federal prison and significant financial penalties.
Under the federal sentencing guidelines, the exact punishment will depend on:
- The type of crime involved
- Your prior criminal history
- The dollar value of any stolen property.
Some federal crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences. If convicted, the judge will be obligated to sentence you to a certain number of years in prison.
In nearly every case, you could face the following punishments if convicted:
- A lengthy prison sentence
- Financial penalties
- Restitution
A conviction for a federal crime also carries significant collateral consequences, such as:
- Probation or supervised parole
- Difficulty finding housing or employment
- Loss of your right to own a firearm
- Loss of your ability to vote
- Deportation or other immigration problems
- Problems with child custody matters
Given the severity and complexity of cases involving computer crimes, it’s important to speak with an experienced defense lawyer right away. If you’ve been charged, call our law firm to schedule a free initial consultation today.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I Was Arrested and Charged With a Federal Computer Crime?
Some examples of the legal defenses that may be available in your case include:
- Lack of the required intent to commit the crime
- Lack of knowledge
- Insufficient evidence to prove your case beyond a reasonable doubt
- Lack of possession or control (in cases involving online child pornography)
- Entrapment
- Illegal search and seizure
- Other violations of your constitutional rights
Our lawyers believe that every client deserves the strongest defense available. We’ll do everything possible to build a custom-tailored defense in your case. Just call today to get started.
Contact a Federal Computer Crimes Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today
Were you accused of committing a federal computer crime? These cases can be extremely complex. Call our San Diego, CA, law office for help from an experienced federal crimes lawyer today.