Tampa Federal Cybercrimes Lawyer
Cybercrimes are often prosecuted in federal court instead of state courts because these offenses typically travel across state lines, and make use of federal wiring structures. Federal prosecutors have extensive knowledge and experience with all types of computer offenses, from hacking to credit card fraud. If you are being charged with a federal cybercrime, a committed, knowledgeable Tampa federal cybercrime attorney can provide invaluable insight and guidance to keep you out of prison. The lawyers at The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. can deliver the results you are looking for.
Common Types of Federal Cybercrimes We Handle
It is estimated that cybercrime costs the United States roughly half a trillion dollars a year, and that number is expected to rise significantly over the next few years. The economic cost alone is extreme, which is why federal prosecutors are being pushed to maximize sentences of those convicted. The social cost of cybercrimes is high as well. Defendants accused of human trafficking and child pornography, for example, face incredibly harsh penalties. The following is a list of federal cybercrimes we handle:
- Human Trafficking
- Child Pornography
- Other Internet Sex Crimes
- Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Phishing
- Extortion
- Hacking
- Cyberstalking
- Malware
- Computer Viruses
- Ransomware
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)
The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) was created in 1986 to protect the federal government’s information and computers from hacking. Since then, the law has been modified to cover all computers that are used in interstate or foreign commerce or communication. As such, the law can essentially be applied to any computer or smartphone. The penalties for hacking under the CFAA are severe. All of the following offenses carry penalties of at least one year in prison for a first conviction, and plaintiffs can also bring civil suits for damages:
- Obtaining National Security Information (up to 10 years in prison)
- Attempt and Conspiracy to Commit such an Offense (up to 10 years in prison)
- Intentionally Damaging by Knowing Transmission (up to 10 years in prison)
- Extortion Involving Computers (up to 5 years in prison)
- Accessing a Computer to Defraud and Obtain Value (up to 5 years in prison)
- Recklessly Damaging by Intentional Access (up to 5 years in prison)
- Accessing a Computer and Obtaining Information (up to 1 year in prison)
- Trespassing in a Government Computer (up to 1 year in prison)
- Negligently Causing Damage and Loss by Intentional Access (up to 1 year in prison)
- Trafficking in Passwords (up to 1 year in prison)
Call a Tampa Federal Cybercrime Lawyer Today
Each illegal cybercrime act counts as its own offense. As such, stealing the identity of 20 individuals can be prosecuted as 20 counts of identity theft. While cybercrimes are considered white collar offenses, they can still result in decades behind bars, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and restitution. If you were arrested for a cybercrime, or are being investigated by a branch of the federal government, we encourage you to take appropriate measures to protect yourself. The Tampa federal cybercrime lawyers at the Matassini Law Firm, P.A. are here to offer assistance. Call us today at 813-217-5715 to schedule a free consultation.
