Houston Federal Computer Crime Lawyer

Houston Federal Computer Crime Attorney

Computer crimes have the potential to cause serious financial and reputational damage to people who find themselves accused. Cybercrimes can destroy people’s finances, tarnish their reputations, frame them for various crimes, and essentially ruin their lives. If you are ever accused of or charged with a computer crime, it is vital that you retain the services of an experienced Houston federal computer crime lawyer who can help you.

Common Computer Crimes in Houston

Many computer crimes are prosecuted at the federal level because they involve the internet. These types of crimes naturally cross state lines and international borders on many different complex levels. This increases the likelihood they will be federally charged because of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). This law continues to adapt and change, influencing the changes in how such crimes are prosecuted.

There are many kinds of computer crimes, but they all deal with the constantly growing landscape of the internet and how easy it is becoming to manipulate people online. Sometimes, people may commit computer crimes and be completely unaware that they are doing anything illegal. Common types of computer crimes in Texas include:

• Internet fraud. Internet fraud occurs when someone intentionally misrepresents themselves on the internet with the intention of manipulating someone else into giving them money, property, or bank account information. You may have witnessed or even participated in an internet fraud scam without being aware of it. False advertisements that promise a sweepstakes win or some other big prize may be a form of internet fraud.
• Phishing scams have become increasingly commonplace in recent years. These occur when a fraudulent entity online manipulates you into giving them your private information by posing as a legitimate business or agency. By tricking you into thinking they are genuine, they can attempt to convince you to give them money, passwords, banking information, social security numbers, and other sensitive information.
• Cyberstalking/Cyberbullying. Harassment happens online all the time. For some perpetrators, it can be easier to insult, harass, and stalk individuals from behind a computer screen instead of in real life. Even though cyberbullying and cyberstalking are online, that does not make them any less serious. They are still crimes that are often fully prosecuted by the law. Texas prohibits the cyberbullying of minors above all others.
• Computer-related sex crimes. The digital age has made it significantly easier to commit sex crimes, particularly sex crimes aimed at children. Child pornography and solicitation of a minor are significant crimes that happen online and can be easier to trace due to a digital footprint. Texas may consider a computer sex crime towards a child to be a felony if the child is under 14 years old.
• Cyber extortion. Extortion occurs when somebody threatens to expose your secrets unless you give them what they want. Cyber extortion simply moves that exchange onto the computer. In cyber extortion cases, people may threaten to delete your online accounts or hack into your computer unless you pay them off with money or information. Cybercriminals may use viruses or hacking skills to pull this off, or they may be lying about their ability to do it at all.

These are just a few of the types of computer crimes that could be committed, but there are many more. No matter the types of crimes you face, you deserve a defense tailored to your needs. You deserve an attorney from The Law Offices of Richard Kuniansky. Our team has the knowledge and experience you need for any computer crime you are accused of.

FAQs

What Is the Federal Law for Computer Crime?

The federal law for computer crime is largely the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), which addresses the ins and outs of computer crimes and federally protects computers that are connected to the internet. It covers email fraud, cyber extortion, government trespass, and many other computer crimes that can make life chaotic for victims of cybercrimes. Many computer crimes are prosecuted at the federal level because the internet is considered a federal entity.

Which Agency Does the FBI Work With to Investigate Computer Crimes?

The FBI works with many different state and federal agencies to investigate computer crimes and bring various cybercriminals to justice. The agency that they choose to work with depends largely on the crime they are investigating and the other state and/or federal laws that are being violated. The FBI has various cyber investigation squads in their many field offices across the country and often coordinates with the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force.

What Laws Has Texas Passed to Prosecute Computer Crime?

Texas has passed many different computer crime prevention laws, including the Texas Breach of Computer Security law. This law prohibits anyone from accessing someone else’s computer or private network without that person’s consent. It also prohibits any activities that could amount to criminal mischief or electronic theft.

Texans must also abide by federal computer crime prevention laws, such as the CFAA. Committing a computer crime in Houston, Texas could land you in serious legal trouble with fines and possible jail time.

What Are the Penalties for Cybercrimes in the United States?

The penalties for cybercrimes in the United States will depend greatly on the nature of the crime and the state in which the crime occurred. Cybercrimes are taken just as seriously as traditional crimes. To understand the penalties you could face in Texas, speak with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney.

Contact Our Houston Federal Computer Crime Lawyer

If you are ever charged with a computer crime, you could be looking at significant penalties that could negatively impact the rest of your life. It is vital that you retain the services of an experienced computer crime lawyer who can help you figure out your next steps and fight the charges made against you.

At The Law Offices of Richard Kuniansky, we can help you build up your case, gather evidence that helps you, and protect your interests throughout this process. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.