As the internet continues to expand our possibilities, internet crimes continue to become more common. As a relatively new landscape, internet crimes are constantly being redefined. Many of these crimes have serious consequences that can have a lasting impact on your life. If you are facing charges of internet crimes in Minnesota, you need the help of an experienced defense attorney.
Understanding Internet Crime Charges
The term “internet crime” covers a broad range of online criminal activity. Since many of these crimes are relatively new, law enforcement and the courts don’t always know how to handle these cases. Therefore, the legal system seems to be constantly rewritten in order to target this new brand of crime. In some cases, the penalties for a conviction can seem overly harsh.
Internet crimes often overlap with other categories of crimes, including identity theft, fraud, and even sex crimes. Some of the most common internet crimes in Minnesota are:
- Credit Card Fraud;
- Identity Theft;
- Child Pornography;
- Computer Hacking;
- Business Fraud;
- Unauthorized Computer Usage or Access;
- Unauthorized Account Access; or
- Piracy or Copyright Infringement
An internet crime can be charged as a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or even a felony. The penalties will vary widely based on the type of crime committed. Acts of identity fraud, or other financial crimes, can lead to long prison sentences and heavy fines. Crimes related to pornography can result in prison, fines, and even registry on the sex offender list. This is true even when you didn’t know you were committing a crime. For example, if you share or download a pornographic image of an individual who is a minor, you can be charged with an internet crime – even if you didn’t know the image depicted a minor.
Because there are so many different types of charges for internet crimes, you need the expertise of a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system.
Internet Crimes Defense Lawyer
Any accusation of an internet crime should be taken very seriously. As soon as you are aware of a potential internet crime charge against you, it’s important to contact an experienced defense lawyer. Your defense attorney will help you overcome your charges by gathering the necessary evidence to prove your innocence. Whether your attorney helps you avoid charges completely, or assists you in getting lesser charges or a smaller penalty, you can be confident that you will get the best outcome possible when you have the right internet crime defense lawyer.
Always a Free Consultation
If you are facing charges for internet crimes, our attorneys can defend you. At the Brown Law Offices, P.A., we have the experience and knowledge to help you overcome your charges and get the best possible result for your case. Don’t let a conviction for an internet crime affect your future. Call us today at 763-783-5146, or complete our free online case evaluation form.