Internet Crimes

Internet Crimes Criminal Defense in Estero, FL

People live more and more of their lives online. They pay bills, shop, and communicate with friends and family. It is therefore unsurprising that more criminal conduct occurs online as well.

Internet crimes take many forms, but they are all serious. If convicted, a defendant can face substantial time in jail or prison, as well as fines and other penalties. Many will also suffer a drop in their reputation as their criminal conduct is made public. At our firm, we represent those who are accused of online criminal conduct. Call our Estero internet crimes lawyer to learn more.

Types of Internet Crimes We Handle

At base, internet crimes involve any criminal activity that occurs mostly online. Our lawyers have represented clients accused of:

• Cyberstalking or electronic harassment. Harassment or stalking another person using electronic means is illegal. The means can include phone, text, email, or video message.
• Nonconsensual pornography. Also called “revenge porn,” this involves sharing pornographic imagery of a victim without their consent.
• Child pornography. It is illegal to produce, copy, transport, or possess pornographic material depicting minors. Although people used to obtain pornography through the mail, the internet is the primary source of it today.
• Unlawful contact with a minor. A person cannot lure a minor to have sex with them. Many predators use online chat forums and electronic messages to reach out to the underage victims.
• Identity theft. Most identity theft involves stealing a person’s identifying information online and using it to open a bank account or line of credit.
• Internet fraud. A person uses the internet to steal from someone using deception.

These are only some of the more common internet crimes. If you have been accused, please contact our Estero defense attorneys today.

Common Defenses

One issue that arises in nearly every internet crime is identity. It is very easy for someone to log online using your credentials and then commit a crime using your account. This can happen with all sorts of internet crimes, including child pornography, cyberstalking, and internet fraud. The fact that your computer or email was used is not, by itself, enough to warrant criminal charges.

Other defenses are more technical in nature. The prosecutor always must show that your conduct rose to the level of a crime. For example, electronic harassment is only a crime if it puts the recipient in “reasonable fear” for their safety or the safety of family members. Mean words, even hateful language in text messages, might not rise to this level.

In other cases, the pornography you have might not depict minors, or you might have no reason to suspect the person you solicit for sex is a minor. Remember, the prosecutor has the burden of proving all elements of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If they fail, you cannot be convicted.

How NOT to Defend Internet Crimes

One of the worst mistakes is to quickly erase files or destroy your phone or computer with a sledgehammer. Trying to erase or hide evidence suggests a guilty mind, even if you really are innocent. And it usually fails—the police can still access anything you try to erase digitally.

Instead, you should quickly meet with an attorney who can protect your rights. Police need warrants to search your electronic equipment and to pull records of internet or cell phone use. Although you should not destroy evidence, there is also no reason to hand this evidence to the police on a silver platter.

Talk with a Estero Internet Crimes Attorney for Free

We can vigorously defend you against criminal charges, but we need to hear from you. Please contact us today to learn more. Our consultations are free and confidential.