Computer technology has permeated most every aspect of modern society, chiefly through use of the internet. People’s daily activities, finances and private information are managed and stored online. This provides criminals the means and incentive to commit cybercrime — which is defined as any illicit activity conducted by use of computers or telecommunication devices. The costs, measured in both financial losses and personal harm, are staggering. Every year hundreds of millions of dollars are stolen. In addition, hundreds of thousands people have had their safety, well-being and privacy compromised through cybercrime.

Federal and state laws impose harsh penalties for a wide variety of cybercrimes. Florida’s cybercrime statutes are broad in scope and the punishments are notoriously severe. Examples of Florida cybercrimes include:

• Hacking — breaking into another person’s or entity’s computer system for the purpose of stealing or destroying information
• Unauthorized access — misusing one’s position or authority to illegitimately gain access to another person’s or entity’s private electronic information
• Fraud — using a computer or the internet to make material misrepresentations for the purpose of committing fraud
• Stalking — using computer resources to track and harass someone by inducing a fear of death or injury in the victim
• Cyberbullying — using computer resources to send or share harmful, embarrassing or false information about a person for the purpose of causing them harm or humiliation
• Sex crimes — using electronic devices for illegal sexual activities, including enticement of minors and distribution of illegal pornographic material

These cybercrimes can rise to the level of felony offenses that carry lengthy prison sentences, significant fines and mandated restitution to victims. In view of the severe consequences possible, anyone either charged with or under investigation for such alleged conduct should immediately seek the advice and counsel of a well-qualified cybercrime defense lawyer to best protect their rights.

Federal law also punishes cybercrime severely. The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) specifically addresses illegally accessing government computers and computer networks. The statute also deals with financial fraud, information trafficking, sex crimes and other computer-assisted legal activity. Crimes under the CFAA are exclusive of state cybercrime statutes, so depending on the circumstances, a person might face both federal and state criminal charges for the same underlying conduct.

If you are targeted in a cybercrime investigation, having competent counsel involved early is the best way to protect your legal and financial interests. At The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. in Orlando, an experienced criminal defense attorney will provide effective assistance and work hard to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Feel free to contact the office online or call 407-608-7777 for an initial consultation.