Cybercrimes have become increasingly common across the United States. With more people every year relying on digital devices for personal and business purposes, there are many opportunities for people to break the law using the internet or digital technology.
Individuals accused of cybercrimes are often at risk of federal prosecution. They may face harsh minimum sentences and may need help navigating the complicated federal criminal justice system. What do defendants generally need to know about cybercrimes?
Many digital actions break the law
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) looks into a variety of different types of cybercrimes. Common offenses include phishing, financial misconduct and even the possession of prohibited digital materials. There are other federal agencies that may also look into digital crimes in certain circumstances. For example, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) could investigate and prosecute those who use social media platforms or the dark web to facilitate drug sales.
People accused of downloading inappropriate content, sharing images without the consent of another person, attacking private companies digitally, seeking unnecessary access to government systems or attempting to defraud others using digital technology could face federal charges. Those charges could carry very serious consequences depending on the nature of the allegations and the evidence that investigators collect.
Every case requires a unique defense
Cybercrimes often have complex digital evidence to analyze, including online activity and the contents of the hard drives of certain devices. A review of the evidence is often necessary before a defendant can begin developing a viable defense strategy.
There is no one solution that can help defendants mitigate the risks of cybercrime accusations. The broad assortment of different offenses the federal government can pursue makes custom strategies that focus on unique circumstances necessary. In some cases, public access to a device or a network can raise a reasonable doubt about who committed a crime. Other times, there might be a misunderstanding regarding the intention of an individual’s online conduct.
Understanding how complicated cybercrime cases can be can help those facing federal criminal charges plan an appropriate response. Defendants who fight allegations of electronic crimes can often avoid federal criminal penalties and a lifetime criminal record if they prevail in court. Those who secure support may improve their chances of successfully fighting allegations of cybercrimes.