Types of Internet Crimes in Texas
Computer or internet crimes involve a number of different criminal activities, including the following:
- Internet fraud and computer fraud, including e-mail campaigns to secure bank information
- Credit card fraud and identity theft, phishing, and DNS hijacking
- Internet gambling
- Sale of counterfeit goods over the internet, including software piracy, computer game piracy, video game piracy, and music piracy
- Internet pornography, including possession of child pornography, dissemination of child pornography, and violation of local obscenity ordinances
- Cyberstalking
- Sexual solicitation, including online child sex solicitation and instant messaging sexually explicit material to children
- Human trafficking — using the internet for illegal online trafficking of women or children for sex or servitude and child sexual exploitation
- Internet viruses
- Hacking and computer sabotage
- Invasion of privacy by planting crimeware & spyware
Penalties for Internet Crimes in Texas
Internet crime convictions carry serious consequences in Texas. Depending on the severity of the crime, penalties can include:
- Fines: Fines can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands, depending on the offense.
- Imprisonment: Many internet crimes result in jail time, and in the case of severe offenses like child exploitation or hacking, individuals can face significant prison sentences.
- Probation: Some individuals may receive probation instead of or in addition to jail time, which can include strict conditions such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, home confinement, and participation in rehabilitation programs.
- Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction for an internet crime can leave you with a permanent criminal record, which can have long-lasting effects on your employment prospects and personal life.
A San Antonio internet crime lawyer will work tirelessly to minimize the penalties you face by negotiating plea deals, fighting to reduce charges, and, when possible, seeking to have charges dismissed or dropped entirely.
Defending Internet Crime Charges
Defending against internet crime charges is a complex process that involves analyzing digital evidence, applicable laws, and developing a strategic defense. A San Antonio internet crime lawyer is vital in addressing the specifics of the charges and evidence in your case. Common defenses may include arguing a lack of knowledge or intent, where the prosecution must prove you had the intention to commit a crime, and if there was no such intent, your attorney can challenge the charges.
Additionally, if law enforcement violated your rights through illegal search and seizure, especially by accessing your digital property without a warrant, your lawyer can file a motion to suppress any unlawfully obtained evidence. In many cases, the evidence may be insufficient or circumstantial, making it difficult to identify the person responsible for the alleged crime, and your lawyer will work to have charges dropped.
Entrapment is another possible defense if law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you otherwise would not have, and your lawyer can argue that in court. False accusations are also common, whether from mistaken identity or misunderstandings, and a San Antonio internet crime attorney will aim to prove your innocence and discredit any false claims made against you.
Protect Your Rights with Our Skilled Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been charged with using a computer or the internet for a criminal purpose, you need aggressive representation from a professional, knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. Many people have access to the internet these days, and it is not surprising that so many different criminal offenses can be committed using the internet as a means.
If convicted of this offense, you could face prison time, fines, probation, and a damaging mark on your criminal record. To give yourself the best chance of overcoming computer or internet charges, contact Hernández Dauphin Legal, P.C..
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a computer-related crime or any criminal offense, respectfully assert your right to remain silent and contact Hernández Dauphin Legal, P.C. immediately for a free consultation and review of your legal rights! Call now - (210) 970-7019