If you have been charged with a cybercrime, you need experienced legal help from The Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A.
Cybercrime Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale
With computer technology dominating just about every facet of life, it should not be surprising to see cybercrimes becoming more prevalent. Cybercrime charges come with harsh penalties, including fines and possible jail time.
An experienced lawyer can provide an effective defense and give you good legal counsel if you have been charged with a cybercrime. Before you plead guilty, consider how a lawyer can help you dismiss your case or reduce your charges. Don’t face this challenging time without an advocate on your side. Contact The Law Offices of R. David Williams, P.A., today to schedule a free consultation.
Definition of Cybercrime and Its Different Types
Florida law defines cybercrimes as computer crimes. These are the “unlawful acts related to computers, digital technology, and web networks.” Computer crimes can either be crimes committed against computer users or crimes against intellectual property. Crimes against intellectual property include:
- Contaminating someone’s data so they cannot use it
- Destroying data or a person’s computer programs and documents
- Taking confidential or secret information
To build a defense against a cybercrime charge, begin by scheduling a free consultation with our experienced Fort Lauderdale cybercrime lawyer today.
Examining Crimes Against Computer Users
Along with crimes against intellectual properties, a cybercrime charge can also imply crimes against computer users. This can happen in many ways and to various degrees.
Accessing another person’s computer without his or her permission can be a cybercrime. This is especially true if you steal passwords and bypass firewalls. Furthermore, if you deny another person’s ability to transmit data from their computer or properly use the computer, you would be committing a cybercrime.
Another way in which you could commit a cybercrime would be by taking another person’s computer and damaging it. The same is true if you upload viruses onto the software. This applies not only to computers but to smartphones or internet networks. It is also illegal to use surveillance on someone’s computer without their permission.
Punishments For Cybercrimes Under Florida Law
Cybercrime is a serious matter in Florida. In fact, the FBI named Florida the country’s No. 2 state for cybercrime victims in 2020. The consequences can be significant if you are convicted.
Property-related cybercrimes are typically third-degree felonies. The charge can increase to a second-degree felony if the crime intends to defraud someone or obtain their property. The penalties for a third-degree felony can be five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. You could also be sentenced to five years of probation.
Cybercrimes against a computer user can be a third- or second-degree felony. The determination of whether the charge will be a third- or second-degree felony depends on the dollar amount of the inflicted damage. Second-degree felonies are punishable by a maximum of 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Book a free consultation with our Fort Lauderdale cybercrime lawyer today.