As more people have gained access to the internet, certain types of crimes have taken on a digital form. The internet gave millions of people instant access to virtually every type of information they could want, as well as the ability to do other things with less fear of someone catching you or facing prosecution. While many often view computer-based crimes as minor since they are not committed face-to-face or involve an element of violence, the federal government views them as serious offenses.
There is a wide range of crimes that can be committed with a computer. While more common than in the past, it is still remarkably complicated to investigate and prosecute these types of offenses. If you are under investigation in California for a computer crime or are already facing charges of internet crimes, you will benefit from learning more about what you are up against and how you can fight back.
You should take online offenses seriously
Computer crimes can range in type and severity, but they usually involve a person doing something that he or she did not have permission to do. Performing certain activities without consent, accessing private information, taking money online and much more are all ways that crime can happen without a personal interaction. Some examples of computer crimes include:
- Interfering with another person’s rightful use of a computer or access to internet
- Copying, changing, deleting, damaging or using data or programs
- Stealing information or a service from a provider
- Using encryption to aid in the commitment of a crime
- Purposefully introducing a virus into a computer system
While these may seem like relatively minor offenses, one can use the internet to commit more severe offenses, including identity theft, sabotage, cyberbullying, falsification of important documents and more. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as other state and federal agencies, take these and other cybercrimes seriously.
To the fullest extent of the law
Due to the growing concern over personal security, national interests and complex nature of online criminal operations, the government prosecutes most cybercrime cases to the fullest extent of the law. If you believe you are soon to be charged, already under investigation or already charged, it is in the interests of your future to take immediate action to protect yourself and seek a beneficial outcome. You have a right to the presumption of innocence and to confront any evidence brought against you.