Computer Crimes
Practice Areas
Greenville, South Carolina Cyber Crime Lawyer
In today’s world, nearly everything is digital, with virtually anything you can imagine just a click away. While this can be extremely beneficial in a lot of ways, it can also become dangerous very quickly. Because the internet is so widely used and easily accessible, it has become much easier for people to commit computer-related crimes.
With the interconnectedness of it all, cybercriminals have access to a seemingly infinite number of victims around the world. What’s more, the anonymity provided by the internet gives people the illusion that they are operating discreetly and under the radar, making them more likely to commit virtual crimes.
Local law enforcement and federal agencies alike have seriously cracked down on cyber crimes in the past decade, and even with the often “anonymous” nature of the internet, cybercriminals in the U.S. are being investigated, accused, and charged every single day. If this is the case for you or someone you love, it is incredibly important that you seek legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate and fight these charges.
Greenville criminal defense attorney AnneMarie Odom is experienced and well-equipped to help you fight your computer-related charges. For a confidential consultation regarding your case, give our law firm a call at (864) 775-5833 or tell us about your case online today.
What is a Cyber Crime?
Simply put, a cyber crime (also known as a computer crime or internet crime) refers to a type of criminal activity that occurs via the use of a computer or the internet. This includes desktop computers, tablets, smartphones, and any other system or device that allows access to the internet. There are a variety of different cyber crimes out there, from downloading copyrighted materials to hacking into another person’s data to using someone else’s credit card information to make an online purchase.
South Carolina criminal law provides a more specific definition of what a computer crime entails. Under South Carolina’s Code of Laws § 16-16-20, internet crimes occur when a person willfully, knowingly, maliciously, and without authorization access a computer, computer systems, or computer networks with the intent to:
- Devise or execute a scheme to defraud;
- Obtain money, property, or services under false pretenses, representations, or promises;
- Commit any other criminal offense.
Under this Code, computer crimes also entail the altering, damaging, destroying, or modifying of a computer system, software, network, or program as well as the introduction of a computer “contaminant” (such as a virus) into that computer system, software, network, or program.
Are Computer Crimes Considered Federal Offenses?
Computer crimes may be considered either a state-level or federal offense depending on the nature and scope of the alleged crime. More specifically, when computer crimes cross state lines or impact interstate commerce or the federal government in some way, they will be prosecuted at the federal level.
Fortunately, South Carolina cyber crimes attorney AnneMarie Odom handles both state and federal criminal cases, meaning she can handle your case no matter what level it is being prosecuted at.
Common Internet and Computer Crimes
There are a variety of different crimes that may be classified as a computer or internet crime. Some of the most common include:
- Piracy
- Phishing
- Identity Theft
- Wire Fraud
- Financial Identity Fraud
- Illegal Spam
- Information Theft
- Money Laundering
- Online Trading
- Online Solicitation of a Minor
- Child Pornography
- Cyber Sex Crimes
- Cyber Bullying
- Hacking
If you have been accused or charged with any of these computer crimes (or any others not listed), it is in your best interest to reach out to a skilled South Carolina criminal defense attorney like AnneMarie Odom as soon as possible.
First Degree Computer Crime
Section 16-16-20 of South Carolina’s Code of Laws classifies cyber crimes into different degrees. One of the determining factors for which degree the offense falls under is “the amount of gain directly or indirectly derived from the offense” or “the loss directly or indirectly suffered by the victim.” If this amount exceeds $10,000, it is considered a first-degree computer crime. This is a felony offense that warrants a max fine of $50,000, a jail sentence of up to 5 years, or both.
Second Degree Computer Crime
Internet crimes in the second degree entail gains or losses that are greater than $1,000 but no more than $10,000. A person may also be guilty of a second-degree computer crime if they:
- Interfere with or deny any computer or network service for authorized users with the intention of carrying out fraud or obtaining money, property, or services through deception, or committing other serious crimes;
- Prevent the owner from having access to their computer, data, or any computer-related property;
- Gained or caused a victim to lose a certain amount of money that cannot be accurately determined.
Second-degree computer crimes are considered a misdemeanor, and penalties for a first offense include a maximum of $10,000 in fines, one year in prison, or both. For a second or subsequent offense, the fines increase to up to $20,000, up to 2 years imprisonment, or both.
Third Degree Computer Crime
If the amount gained or lost is no more than $1,000 or if the accused engages in computer hacking, he or she faces third-degree computer crime charges. This is a misdemeanor that warrants up to $200 in fines or up to 30 days of jail time for a first offense. For second or subsequent offenses, the penalties increase to a fine of no more than $2,000, up to 2 years in prison, or both.
Why You Need a Greenville, SC Cyber Crimes Lawyer
It’s true what they say about the internet – once it’s out there, it never truly goes away. Just about anything you do on the internet can be tracked and traced, even if you take extra precautions to erase your trail. If you are under investigation for or have been charged with a cyber crime, you need to equip yourself with skilled legal representation to protect your rights and set yourself up for the most positive outcome possible.
When you work with a reputable South Carolina criminal defense attorney like AnneMarie Odom, she will conduct her own investigation into your alleged crime and gather as much evidence as possible to create a solid defense strategy on your behalf. With experience handling criminal cases at both the state and federal levels, she knows what it takes to provide a strong defense no matter what direction your case takes.
To set up your confidential consultation, call (864) 775-5833 or complete our online intake form today.
Call our Greenville, SC law office today to schedule a free consultation to go over your legal options, or simply fill out our online intake form to get started.
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