12 Jul What Are Cybercrimes, and How Does Arizona Punish Them?
Essentially, a cybercrime is any crime that is committed electronically.
The rapid rise of technology over the last few decades means that cyber, or computer crimes, are becoming more common. “Cybercrime” is an umbrella term for any crime committed electronically via a computer, phone, or tablet. These crimes can be motivated by politics, profit, or personal reasons.
Many different types of crime can fall under this umbrella. Cybercrimes can include things like phishing (computer fraud), and hacking (computer tampering). The state of Arizona takes these crimes very seriously—punishments can include time in jail or prison, fines, fees and restitution, and parole or probation.
Top Five Cybercrimes in Arizona
1: Credit Card Fraud
The fraudulent use of a credit card online is one of the largest cybercrimes in Arizona. Credit card fraud includes actions like using an unauthorized credit card to make purchases or making fraudulent chargeback requests. When a person disputes a charge with their credit card company, but they actually did purchase that product or service, this is a type of credit card fraud.
The punishment for credit card fraud ranges from six months in jail to two and half years in prison, depending on the total of money stolen.
2: Identity Theft
Impersonating another person for monetary or personal gain is a crime. In Arizona, identity theft crimes can range from using an older sibling’s ID to get into a club, to using another person’s name to take out loans.
Punishments for identity theft can be one to fifteen years in prison, depending on previous convictions and other factors.
3: Phishing (Computer Fraud)
Phishing is a type of computer fraud that aims to trick people into sharing important, sensitive information. It could be personal information, like your full name, date of birth, or social security number. Or it could be the answers to the security questions for your bank accounts, phone service provider, etc. Phishing can also be used to collect credit card information, like the card number, security code, and expiration date.
Phishing is defined under ARS 13-2310, Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices, and it is punished with a class 2 felony. Penalties typically include five years in prison.
4: Unlawful Distribution of Images
Revenge porn is another common cybercrime. Unlawful distribution of images includes sharing nude photos or images depicting sexual content without the permission of the parties involved.
This crime is punishable by one year to nearly four years in prison.
5: Computer Tampering
Examples of computer tampering include deleting important information from a company computer, using access codes to gain personal information, and using the internet or a computer to bully or threaten another person.
This form of cybercrime ranges across almost every felony class, depending on the specific circumstances of the crime committed.
Facing a Felony in Arizona? You Need the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal charges for cybercrime in Arizona can have dire consequences. Aside from prison or jail time, a conviction can also have financial repercussions or exclude you from social benefits, housing, and educational opportunities.
Hiring a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the Arizona justice system is essential to secure the best outcome for your case. Todd Coolidge is a certified defense lawyer with over 25 years of successful experience. If you are facing charges of cybercrime, contact us today for a consultation.
Images are used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/11/24). Photo by seth schwiet on Unsplash.