Online Crimes

Criminal Defense Lawyer

So many crimes happen everyday that not everything can be brought to your attention. So it is safe to assume that criminal offenses do not only take place in person, they also occur on the world wide web. Besides the typical piracy when downloading movies, shows, and music illegally, there are a few other offenses that can be punished with jail time. You should be made aware of these things if you are trying to avoid time behind bars. Believe it or not, people may use the internet as a way to commit crimes more often than they would in person because they really believe they can use the internet to break the law and remain just anonymous enough to get away with it, this is false.

It may come as no surprise to you, that fraud is committed online in large numbers. Many innocent internet users use the internet to make purchases, or even apply for credit cards or jobs. Because of this, the internet has a large storage of credit card and banking information, social security numbers, and names and addresses. With this information, and just the right amount of knowledge with computers, some people are able to hack systems and access this information you may think is protected.

Outside of stealing information, online prostitution is just as popular. This allows men and women to stay in the comfort of their homes and again, remain just anonymous enough to get away with their criminal activities. There are websites created that allow individuals to solicit themselves in exchange for money, goods, or a service. People will code their work as a “massage” or even just as simple as a date, to stay below the radar as possible. 

Online harassment, also known as cyber-bullying is very common. Because of its capabilities to make someone completely anonymous, people find the courage to say mean and threatening things to almost anyone, just because they can. Harassment online comes in the same form as it does in person, sexual included. These offenses are taken just as seriously and are punishable offenses.

Simply put, if it is illegal in person, chances are it is illegal online unless specifically created for online purposes. There are so many ways to rack up criminal charges through the internet, and even then there are criminal defenses that may be available to you should you be accused of such crimes. If you or someone you know has been accused of an internet offense, contact a criminal defense attorney in Dekalb County, GA as soon as you can.

Thanks to Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into criminal defense and online crimes.