Cybercrimes are relatively new, defined as a crime involving the use of a computer or network.  A criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale can explain that Florida law further defines these crimes as involving the criminal motive to intentionally harm a victim’s reputation or cause physical or mental harm or loss to the victim.  A criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale who has experience in cybercrimes can help defend against the charges you are facing.

Common Types of Cybercrimes

Cybercrimes may involve the illegal use of intellectual property, such as illegally downloading music or stealing copyrighted information.  Alternatively, they may involve crimes against other users of the computer or may use a computer to perpetrate a crime, such as:

• Bank fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Identity theft
• Theft of data
• Phishing
• Solicitation of a minor
• Possession of child pornography
• Hacking

Cybercrime Penalties

Each type of cybercrime has a minimum sentence.  The crime is often punished based on the value of property involved.  A cybercrime involving the illegal use of intellectual property can be charged as a second degree felony if the defendant commits the offense while intending to take property or commit fraud.  It could also be charged as a third degree felony.  Cybercrimes against another computer user may range from first degree felonies to third degree felonies, depending on the type of harm and the value of the damage.

Some computer crimes may be charged as misdemeanors, resulting in fines ranging from a few hundred dollars to $1,000.  Jail sentences may not be imposed or may consist of less than one year.  Felony convictions can result in prison terms that exceed 20 years and fines that are greater than $100,000.