Understanding Computer Crimes

Since computer crimes continue to become more prevalent, the laws often change to redefine what constitutes criminal activity through a computer. If you are accused of a computer crime, it is important to discuss your situation with a criminal defense lawyer.

Computers are all around us and because many of them are newer, laws regarding computers are still being formed and added to on a regular basis. Anyone who faces a computer crime charge needs to speak with an Arlington criminal defense lawyer who knows the law and can fight on their behalf.

Computer crimes can be committed not only on a traditional desktop or laptop computer, but also using smart phones, cell phones and tablets as well as any device that can access the Internet. Some crimes may seem clear-cut, but others may not be. Although some violations may seem clear, it may not always be easy to show who specifically accessed a device and committed a crime since multiple users often have access to a device at any given time.

Below is a list of some types of activities that could result in criminal computer crime charges:

• Unauthorized access to a computer, system or network;

• Modifying, damaging, using, disclosing, copying or taking programs or data without authorization. This includes a person’s identity or stealing their credit card or bank card information and using it fraudulently;

• Using a computer in a fraud scheme

• Interfering with another person’s computer access or use without authorization;

• Using a computer to view employment, salary, credit, financial information and identifying information of another person without authorization;

• Transmitting unsolicited bulk email.

• Soliciting a child.

• Possessing or distributing pornographic materials of children.