27 Sep Computer Crimes
Mostly, when we think of crime we think of physical theft or harm to people or property. These are not the only types of crimes committed. As computers began to be widely used in the 1970s and the internet in the 1980s, crime found opportunity on a whole new level. Computer, or cyber, crimes have assisted in fraud against companies, swindled people out of money, exposed the weak, and destroyed or tampered with confidential information. Coolidge Law, located in Gilbert Arizona, has experience in strategic legal defense for those convicted of computer crimes.
What are Computer Crimes?
While it may seem self-explanatory what computer crimes are, there are many facets to the types of crimes that can be committed. Essentially, computer crimes are an act performed by a knowledgeable individual who uses their technical skills to illegally browse or steal private information.
Examples
There are many varying types of crimes committed on the internet and computers. Some examples of computer crimes include:
- Cyberbullying
- Cyber terrorism
- Child pornography
- Espionage
- Fraud
- Identity theft
- Phishing
- Spamming
- Unauthorized access
There are several other types of computer crimes that are not listed above.
Consequences
While each crime has a punishment that is appropriate to the action committed, consequences can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime. There are standard presumptive sentencing guidelines that help understand the type of consequences that follow a conviction. Computer crimes are classified as Class five felony convictions, but can go up to a Class three felony conviction based on the circumstances surrounding the crime.
Contact Coolidge Law today to discuss criminal defense law related to convictions for crimes committed through the use of a computer.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/27/2017) (Flickr)