L.A. Lawyer Defends You Against Charges of Computer and Internet Crimes
Battling charges of hacking, phishing and identity theft
Internet fraud is a term that encompasses a number of offenses, all of which are punished harshly. Whether you are arrested for unlawfully accessing a computer or for orchestrating a complex computer fraud scheme, you need sophisticated legal help. At the Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we know cyberlaw, and we will craft an effective defense strategy.
Types of cyber crimes in California
Some computer crimes are investigated and prosecuted by federal authorities. The attorney at the Law Offices of Arash Hashemi is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, so we are fully prepared to defend you against federal charges.
Here are some examples of federal and California cyber crimes:
- Internet fraud: Internet fraud schemes are federal offenses punishable by 20 years in prison and costly fines. If you use the Internet to deceive someone into giving you money or something of value, you may be charged with operating an Internet fraud scheme.
- Identity theft: Federal law makes it a crime to possess, use or email the means of identification of another. Phishing is a way of committing identify theft. It is the cybercrime of using deceit to obtain a person’s personal information, credit card information or login name and password. If convicted of identity theft, you face up to 15 years in prison.
- Unauthorized computer use or access: If you use, access or hack a computer without the owner’s consent, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. If convicted of a misdemeanor, you face one year in jail and $5,000 in fines. If you are convicted of a felony, you may receive up to three years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
- Internet child pornography: The U.S. Department of Justice defines Child Pornography as a form of child sexual exploitation. The violation of federal child pornography laws carries strict penalties including steep fines and mandatory minimum sentences of 15-30 years in prison. An offender can be prosecuted under both state and federal law.
- Cyber stalking: The National Conference of State Legislatures defines cyberstalking as, “The use of the Internet, email or other electronic communications to stalk, and generally refers to a pattern of threatening or malicious behaviors.” Cyber harassment, says NCSL, is a different form cyberstalking in that it does not involve a credible threat; rather the online contact is meant to torment the targeted individual.
What to do if you’re being investigated for a computer or Internet crime
Do you believe that a law enforcement agency is monitoring your online behavior or investigating you for an Internet crime? If so, contact an experienced lawyer immediately. With experienced legal guidance, you can proactively work to thwart the prosecution’s case against you.
Let a knowledgeable criminal law attorney defend your rights
If you are arrested for an Internet crime, you need an experienced lawyer who understands cyberlaw. At the Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we have defended Los Angeles clients since 2003. To schedule an initial consultation, contact us online or by phone at (310) 448-1529. Our office is conveniently located in the Westside Towers in Los Angeles, within minutes of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, and steps away from the Expo/Bundy Station. We have flexible hours and weekend appointments, and we will visit you in jail to discuss your case.