Crimes involving the internet and computers are more and more common, as people are more interconnected than ever before. While cyber crimes are not violent crimes and therefore may not carry as severe penalties as other crimes, they are serious, and are punishable by incarceration and large fines in our state. If you have been charged with a cyber crime, it’s in your best interest to hire an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to start building your defense. 

What Are Cyber Crime Charges?

Cyber crimes are crimes that are committed online through the use of the internet. The definition can be further expanded to include crimes that target or use a computer. Cyber crimes can be illegal at both the state and federal levels, depending upon the details of the criminal activity. At both federal and state levels, a cyber crime conviction could result in jail time, a large fine, or both. Other penalties, such as the revocation of professional licenses, probationary period, or period of service could also be required. 

Common Types of Cyber Crimes

Any illegal activity that is committed using the computer or internet is a cyber crime. As such, the list is quite expansive. According to a webpage on cyber crimes maintained by Mass.gov, common types of cyber crimes include:

• Cyber stalking. Cyber stalking occurs when a user engages in threatening and unwanted advances directed at another person. It could be done via chat services, email, or other forms of electronic communication. 
• Child enticement and exploitation. When an adult uses the computer/internet to conduct or attempt to conduct criminal sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or sexually explicit conduct with a minor, they are committing child enticement or/and exploitation. This is a very serious crime. 
• Hate crimes. A crime that is committed against another person because of their race, color, religion, national origin, or ethnicity is a hate crime. In the cyber world, this can happen when speech becomes a direct, credible threat — which is not protected speech. 
• Illegal downloads, copyright infringement, file sharing, and piracy. When work that is protected from reproduction or use without the owner’s permission is used without permission, infringement has occurred and a crime has been committed. 
• Illegal purchases. Purchasing items that are illegal to buy in person on the internet is still illegal. This can include illicit substances, weapons, animals, etc. 

How to Defend Against Cyber Crime Charges

The penalties for each type of cyber crime, and whether it will be prosecuted at the state or federal level, vary. As such, if you have been charged with a cyber crime, it’s important that you consult with an attorney immediately who can advise you of your rights, the penalties you’re facing, and how to build a defense. Your defense may be claiming that you were not the one who committed the cyber crime (e.g., you were hacked or have a shared computer), or that you lacked intent or knowledge in committing the crime. Your attorney will help you to understand what defenses may be viable in your case. 

Get a Criminal Defense Attorney on Your Side

To learn more about what to do when facing criminal charges, call an attorney you can trust. At The Law Office of Paul R. Moraski, we are here for you. Reach out online using our contact form, or call directly at (978) 397-0011 today.