Computer Crimes Attorney in Westchester County, New York

There are many types of computer-related crimes. They range from individuals trying to prove their computer skills, all the way up to international spies and terrorist organizations trying to steal information from the American people. Businesses might seek to sabotage one another through the use of cyber attacks. Criminal organizations might attempt to steal information from individuals to sell on the black market.

Some of these crimes are more serious than others. But every one of them will be hunted down and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The FBI has multiple teams seeking out cyber criminals, both in this country and across the globe. The State of New York investigates computer-related crimes just as seriously.

If you have been charged with a computer-related crime, it’s important for you to know what you’re up against. Get in touch with an experienced attorney as soon as you can. The state is already working on its case against you, so it’s time for you to start working on your defense.

Set up a call with the Law Office of Michael D. Litman by calling us today. We’ll help you put up the best defense you can.

Computer Tampering

Computer tampering comes in several different degrees of seriousness. Here is a summary of the offenses and penalties that fall under computer tampering:

• Fourth-degree computer tampering is the unauthorized use of a computer or computer network to intentionally alter or destroy data, programs, etc. It is a class A misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to one year.

• Third-degree computer tampering occurs when the offender commits computer tampering with the intent to commit a felony offense, has a record of previous computer tampering, or causes damage exceeding $1,000. This is a class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison.

• Second-degree computer tampering happens when the offender commits computer tampering in such a way that puts individuals in danger (such as destruction of medical records) or that causes over $3,000 in damages. This is a class D felony, punishable by up to 7 years in prison.

• First-degree computer tampering occurs when the offender causes over $50,000 in damages. This is a class C felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Other Computer-Related Crimes

Computer-related crimes are many and varied. Here is a brief summary of the possible offenses:

• Unauthorized use of a computer– knowing use or access of a computer or network without authorization. It is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year.

• Computer trespass– knowing use of a computer or computer network without authorization, with the intent to commit a felony offense. This is a class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years.

• Unlawful duplication of computer-related material– This is the duplication of materials containing medical histories with the intent to commit a crime. Second-degree unlawful duplication is a class B misdemeanor. First-degree unlawful duplication occurs when the offender takes $2,500 or more from the victim or uses the medical history with an intent to commit a felony. This is a class E felony, with a penalty of up to 4 years.

• Criminal possession of computer-related material– This is the illegal possession of computer data with the intent to benefit someone other than the rightful owner. It is a class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years.

• Operating an unlawful electronic sweepstakes– Operating an unlawful electronic sweepstakes occurs when the offender sets up online gambling businesses without the proper legal licensing, etc. It is a class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years.

What to Do if You’ve Been Arrested for A Computer-Related Crime

If you are arrested for a computer-related crime, do not try to talk the officer out of arresting you. You’re far more likely to say something that will further incriminate you than you are to convince the police to let you go. This is not the time to defend yourself.

After you’ve been arrested, it’s time to start working on your defense. You will need a good attorney. An experienced attorney can be the difference between being found guilty or not guilty. It can be the difference between the maximum sentence and the minimum sentence. Get a skilled attorney on your side.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in New York and want to speak to a criminal defense attorney, contact Michael D. Litman to learn more about your options.