Increasingly we are living more and more of our lives online. We create virtual friendships, keep in touch with old friends via social networks, and use it for everyday activities like shopping or entertainment. Because of this the law is trying to play catch up to greater regulate what we can and cannot do online. Unfortunately this has created many confusing laws for people who may find themselves caught up in the legal system without realizing they have done anything wrong.
A computer crimes lawyer can help navigate these new regulations and give you an idea of what to expect going forward. For many computer crimes, intent is a vital element for the state to prove. If a person did not realize they have broken the law, they may find the charges are significantly reduced or even dropped. This can help a person move on with their lives free of any further consequences.
Some common computer crimes are:
- Fraud
- Circumventing security networks
- Spamming
- Intellectual property theft
- Identity theft
Many computer crimes carry with it severe civil penalties as well as criminal charges. For people illegally downloading and uploading movies or music, they may face a civil lawsuit from the copyright holder that can result in crippling fines. A computer crimes attorney can help with criminal charges as well as civil charges.
These proceedings are difficult not only because the laws are new but because the technology used can be very intricate and very involved. Finding an attorney who understands these new technologies is very important. By understanding these technologies, they will be better able to assist in your defense and explain them to a jury. Without this understanding, a computer crimes attorney will be at a significant disadvantage.
Another important reason to hire an experienced Virginia computer crimes lawyer is that these crimes are often tried at the federal level instead of the circuit courts. This means that the stakes are even higher going against the federal government instead of a state government. The success rate of securing convictions is much higher at the federal level so hiring a computer crimes attorney right away is of paramount importance.
At The Law Offices of Patrick N. Anderson and Associates, our Virginia computer crimes attorneys work with some of the best computer forensic experts in the business to help rebut any claims made by state or federal governments. We have 34 years of experience defending clients against these serious charges and will work tirelessly to give you the best outcome possible.