Cybercrime Is the Fastest-Growing Crime in the Nation
With the recent increase in adults working from home and students attending online classes, internet use has skyrocketed in the past year. More than ever, personal information is being sent over networks with insufficient levels of security, and as a result, cases of cybercrimes in Orlando, Florida and across the country are on the rise.
Research conducted by the University of Maryland shows that a cybersecurity attack occurs every 39 seconds in the United States. The legal definition of most cybercrimes is broad, and many individuals have been wrongfully charged with internet crimes in recent years. The best way to protect yourself when facing a potential conviction for a cybercrime is to contact an attorney that you can trust to build a strong case for your defense.
What Is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is most commonly understood as the use of a computer and/or the internet to threaten the physical or financial security of a business, an individual, or a group of people. Various levels of cybercrimes exist, and each of them has a corresponding penalty depending on the severity of the attack. Popular examples of cybercrime include:
- Identity theft
- Phishing scams
- Cyberstalking
- Online harassment
- Invasion of privacy
- Social network fraud
- Credit card fraud
- Bank fraud
- Email fraud
- Digital copyright infringement
- Online impersonation
- Cyberbullying
- Hacking
- Credential breaches
- Cyber extortion
- Internet piracy
Individuals wrongfully charged with cybercrimes may feel the need to defend themselves in court alone, but the best way to ensure that your case is managed properly is to retain the services of an experienced attorney who has defended cybercrimes in the past and has an awareness of both local and national laws. Having a trusted legal professional on your side can give your case an advantage by providing you with a dedicated representative, additional resources, and peace of mind.
Penalties for Cybercrime Charges
Cyber-related attacks have been known to cause wide-scale financial destruction for various businesses, groups, and individuals. Due to the severity of potential damage, Florida has established strict laws regarding cybercrime offenses. These crimes are divided into two categories that cover different areas of related charges: offenses against computer users and offenses against intellectual property.
Offenses against Computer Users, Systems, Networks, or Devices
- First degree felonies: Up to thirty years in prison and as much as $10,000 in fines
- Second degree felonies: Up to fifteen years in prison and as much as $10,000 in fines
- Third degree felonies: Up to five years in prison and as much as $5,000 in fines
Offenses against Intellectual Property
- Second degree felonies: Up to fifteen years in prison and as much as $10,000 in fines
- Third degree felonies: Up to five years in prison and as much as $5,000 in fines
Depending on the severity of the attack you are facing charges for, additional fees and penalties can apply. This is decided by the court during the course of the trial, and having an experienced attorney on your team can help you exhaust every method of avoiding extra fines or convictions.
Defense Strategies for Cybercrimes
Receiving a conviction for a cybercrime can be devastating to an individual’s financial situation, personal relationships, education, career, and livelihood. Research has even indicated that jail time or facing a wrongful conviction can severely impact a person’s mental health. To avoid the potential side effects of a cybercrime charge, you need an attorney by your side that you can trust with your case.
Working with an attorney who specializes in cybercrimes can give you an advantage in court when it comes to your defense strategy. There are a variety of ways that an experienced legal professional can approach a potential cybercrime conviction, depending on the severity of the crime in question. Previously successful defense methods include:
- Lack of intent
- Lack of knowledge
- Evidence was obtained during an illegal search
- Alleged victim granted authorization
- Mistaken identity
Many individuals believe that they can manage their cybercrime case on their own, but Florida has enacted serious laws and penalties against those charges, making the process of defense even more challenging. To ensure that your side of the situation is fully understood and that your rights are protected, you need the assistance of a cybercrime attorney who can give your case the dedicated attention it deserves.
Seek Help from Trusted Cybercrime Attorneys in Orlando, Florida
Facing a potential cybercrime conviction can be challenging and overwhelming, but the experienced attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm are dedicated to helping you build a strong defense for your case and protecting your rights. We pride ourselves on working closely with our clients through every step of the legal process and providing them with resources they would not otherwise have access to, including important documents and records related to their case.
Here at The Umansky Law Firm, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance. To contact our team of passionate and trial-tested cybercrime attorneys today, call us today, visit our website for a free online case review, or submit a request for a virtual or in-person consultation.
