While some criminal offenses occur in real life, many others happen in a computerized virtual environment. Computer crimes were big news in the 1980s, but now you hear about them less frequently unless they involve large financial institutions.
Just because there are fewer sensationalistic press reports about these crimes, that does not mean the law has relaxed its stance on these offenses. On the contrary, such activities are more aggressively prosecuted than ever as the authorities try to minimize the widespread effects of computer crimes, or “cybercrime.”
Here are two cybercrime offenses that federal and state authorities still treat harshly.
Hacking crimes
For some who are computer savvy, hacking a computer may seem like a rite of passage. Admittedly, you might not face too much trouble if you only hack in to prove you can. However, if you break other laws while accessing a computer, you could face serious consequences.
Accessing unauthorized information or damaging computer data could lead to a prison term of up to 20 years.
Identity theft
Identity theft is a form of fraud and can be prosecuted at the state or federal level. Activities like unlawfully accessing government or financial institution information are two examples of potentially severe offenses. You could also face charges for obtaining and using a private person’s sensitive information.
Federal convictions for identity theft could result in decades of imprisonment
You may feel hopeless after being charged with a cybercrime, including those discussed above. However, do not lose sight of the fact that the prosecutor in your case must prove you committed a crime. With guidance and knowledge of Texas and federal white collar crime laws, your odds of success may be better than you think.
