Orlando Cyber Crimes Attorney

The Rise of Cyber Crimes

It is hard to believe that just a generation ago people did not routinely use computers and other electronic devices for just about everything, but the fact is that, in a relatively short period of time, the internet went from a novelty to a necessity. Our dependence on the internet and on electronic communications has inadvertently led to a whole new type of crime, collectively referred to as cyber crimes. To illustrate the scope of the cyber crime problem, consider the following:

• In 2022, the United States has the second-highest number of data compromises, impacting at least 442 million individuals, in a single year, according to the Identity Theft Research Center (ITRC) Annual Data Breach Report.
• Over five million reports related to cyber crimes were filed with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network in 2022. Almost half of the reports were about fraud with another 20 percent related to identity theft.
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported over 800,000 cyber crime complaints in its 2022 Internet Crime Report 2022.
• Florida is one of the top 3 states for cyber crimes, according to both the FTC and FBI.

 

What Are Some Common Federal Cyber Crimes?

One of the ways in which the federal government can assert jurisdiction over a crime is when the criminal activity crosses state lines. Given the inherent nature of the internet, the federal government aggressively investigates and prosecutes a variety of cyber crimes, such as:

• Identity theft. Using the personal data or documents of another person, without permission, for economic gain.
• Hacking. Loosely defined as gaining unauthorized access to data in a system or protected computer, including any computer that is connected to the internet.
• Cyber extortion. Typically involving the use of ransomware, cyber extortion involves an attack, or threat, followed by a demand (usually for money) in return for stopping the attack.
• Money laundering. Turning “dirty” money from criminal activity into “clean” money, typically using a variety of electronic transactions.
• Internet fraud. This covers a wide variety of scams that use the internet to defraud victims.
• Harassment and stalking. Using social media or email to harass, bully, or stalk a group of individuals.
• Phishing scams. Phishing scams involve schemes aimed at tricking victims into providing sensitive information to the scammer.
• Child pornography and internet sex crimes. Downloading or distributing child pornography and/or distributing photos or videos involving non-consensual sexual acts.
• Internet drug crimes. Selling, purchasing, or distributing illicit drugs or legal drugs without the proper authority.

 

What Are the Penalties for Federal Cyber Crimes?

The potential penalties you face if convicted of a federal cyber crime will depend on several factors, including the criminal offense involved, your own criminal history (or lack thereof), and the facts and circumstances of the case. Many cyber crimes, however, are charged under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 (“CFAA”) found at 18 U.S.C § 1030 which carries up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Get Help from an Experienced Federal Cyber Crime Defense Attorney

Several federal law enforcement agencies, spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, are intensely focused on identifying and prosecuting cyber crimes. If you believe you are under investigation for a federal cyber crime, or have already been charged with one, it is crucial to act quickly to protect your rights and get started on your defense.

As a former state and federal prosecuting attorney, attorney David Haas has first-hand experience with how the government conducts criminal investigations and prosecutions. His invaluable insight and experience are precisely what you need when your freedom and your future are threatened. Let the team at Haas Law put their experience, resources, and dedication to work for you if you are being investigated for, or have been charged with a federal cyber crime.

Call us at 407-755-7675, chat with us online, or submit our online form today. Because we understand that time is of the essence when federal law enforcement authorities are investigating you, our calls are answered 24 hours a day, allowing you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.