Top Ijamsville, MD Computer Crime Lawyers Near You
The Premier Criminal Defense Firm
Free Consultation
Award Winning Attorneys With 40+ Years of Combined Experience. Cases Litigated in All Counties in MD. Super Lawyers & AV Rated.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
When You’re Facing Criminal Charges, Don’t Leave Anything to Chance. Get the Best Representation You Can. Call Us Today!
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
Fighting for Everyday People in Tough Situations
Se Habla Español
3475 Leonardtown Road, Suite 200, Waldorf, MD 20601-3678
Getting legal representation for your Computer Crime issue is easier than you think. Let Law Office of Farmer & Klopfer in Ijamsville, Maryland help you today.
Free Consultation
909 Rose Ave, Ste 640, Rockville, MD 20852
Other Nearby Offices
Clients needing legal solutions for Computer Crime can connect with Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, PLLC, a local Maryland practice.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
1030 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21703
9701 Apollo Dr, Suite 301, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 205 East, Bethesda, MD 20814
20 Courthouse Square, Suite 212, Rockville, MD 20850
7845 Belle Pointe Drive, Greenbelt, MD 20770
5425 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 600, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
2275 Research Blvd, Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20850
20300 Seneca Meadows Pkwy, Suite 210, Germantown, MD 20876
600 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 308, Rockville, MD 20852
2730 University Blvd. West, Suite 604, Silver Spring, MD 20902
129 West Patrick Street, Suite 9, Frederick, MD 21701
14513 Main Street, Suite B, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
12505 Park Potomac Ave, 6th FL, Potomac, MD 20854
PO Box 2838, Upper Marlboro, MD 20773
204 Monroe Street, #109, Rockville, MD 20850
98 Church Street, Rockville, MD 20850
6915 Laurel Bowie Road, Suite 206, Bowie, MD 20715
5819 Allentown Road, Suitland, MD 20746
4328 Farragut St, Hyattsville, MD 20781
6710A Rockledge Drive, Suite 400, Bethesda, MD 20817
6305 Ivy Lane, Suite 700, Greenbelt, MD 20770
3475 Leonardtown Road, Suite 200, Waldorf, MD 20601-3678
50 West Montgomery Ave, Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20850
Ijamsville Computer Crime Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Computer Crime attorneys in Ijamsville and checks their standing with Maryland bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Are Computer Crimes?
Computer crimes or cyber crimes can include any criminal activity using a computer. Computers are involved in our daily activities and take many forms. Computer crime can include more than a desktop or laptop. Computer crime can also involve smart phones or any other method to access computer networks or electronic devices. Some cybercrimes that rely on a computer, including:
- Identity theft
- Wire fraud
- Intellectual property theft
- Financial data theft
- Software piracy
- Hacking
- Phishing
- Use of Malware
- Denial of Service (DOS) attacks
Identity theft is a common part of computer crimes and can be used in other criminal activities. Identity theft involves the use of personally identifying information of another, without permission. This includes using another person’s information to obtain credit, goods, loans, or other benefits. Common computer crimes involving identity theft include taking out loans, opening a credit card, or buying products online using someone else’s identity or credit.
Most computer crime is financially motivated. A computer can be used to unlawfully access financial records to transfer money or steal information. Other computer crimes can use the computer for blackmail or extortion. Hacking and the use of malware can be used to lock out access to computers or cause damage to computer networks.
What Are Types of Computer Crime?
Many crimes can be committed with the use of the internet, smartphones, or a computer. Crimes that would have been traditionally committed in person or through other means are not conducted online. A computer or mobile device can be used in the commission of:
- Credit card fraud
- Insurance fraud
- White collar crimes
- Sex crimes
- Child pornography
- Prostitution
- Stalking
- Drug trafficking
- Hate crimes
- Money laundering
- Selling stolen goods.
Crimes that used to be committed in person can be moved online to provide secrecy and anonymity. Computer crimes can be committed across state lines or thousands of miles away. Using new email accounts, public wifi, or VPNs can help obscure the user’s identity.
Many computer crimes are committed using regular websites or social media accounts. Drugs and stolen goods can be trafficked using Facebook, eBay, craigslist, or other online platforms. There are also “dark web” sites that are more targeted for criminal activity. The “grey web” includes forums and websites that are openly accessible but may contain hacking tools or stolen account information.
When Is Computer Crime a Federal Offense?
Even if you are only active in your own state and never cross any borders, computer crime can be considered a federal crime. In general, states have jurisdiction over crimes committed in the state. However, because the internet crosses state lines and is international, crimes committed online are often considered federal law offenses.
Under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), it is a federal offense to steal, damage, or illegally access a computer system. Generally, accessing a computer or computer network without valid authorization can be a criminal offense. This may include remote access or hacking. The penalties for a conviction of computer fraud in federal court can include imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine. A second offense can result in up to 20 years in federal prison.
What Are the Penalties for Computer Crime?
The penalties for computer crime can include jail time, fines, and restrictive probation. The criminal penalties can depend on the underlying offense. If the crime was committed through the unlawful or unauthorized use of a computer, criminal penalties could include from one to 20-years in jail.
Other crimes may be prosecuted the same as if they were committed offline. For example, if someone used a computer to sell stolen car parts online, they may be charged with receiving or selling stolen goods, without regard to the computer.
What Are Defense Strategies for Computer Crime Charges?
Many innocent people are charged with computer-related offenses. One of the complications with internet crimes is that it is possible to use another person’s computer, internet service provider (ISP), or online accounts to commit fraud. Hackers can gain access to another person’s accounts or wireless router without their knowledge. It can be a defense to computer crime charges if someone else may have accessed your account.
Another legal defense for computer crime charges includes unlawful search or seizure. If the law enforcement agencies conducted an unlawful search without a warrant, that may be a violation of your 4th amendment constitutional rights. Your criminal defense lawyer may be able to have the unlawfully gained evidence suppressed and kept out of court.
When Should I Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Computer crime lawyers in Maryland can defend you against criminal charges. There may be serious criminal penalties involved in cyber crime charges, including a prison sentence, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Experienced computer criminal defense attorneys understand the technical and legal aspects of computer crime defense. An experienced attorney can help you explore your legal defense options.