A computer crime is a cyber-crime that involves a computer and a network. Computers can be used to commit a variety of different offenses, such as cyberharrassmet, stalking, soliciting sex, counterfeiting, child pornography distribution and much more. It is important to remember that when interacting on the web the same laws that govern society still apply. Computer mediated interactions are no different than face to face interactions. Therefore, people should abide by similar social norms no matter if the interaction is mediated or not.

New York State Law
There is a section in New York’s Penal Law that prohibits various computer-related actions. Also, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, commonly known as the (FBI), has established a department to prosecute offenders who are guilty of computer-related crimes.

In the state of New York, internet sex crimes are not taken lightly. New York has a reputation of handing out consistently harsh penalties for this offense. Therefore, when facing an internet sex charge, it is important to contact an experienced New York sex crime attorney who is just as aggressive in defending your case as the state is in charging you. A New York sex crime attorney not only protects your rights but will also present you with a variety of different options, in an effort to lessen the charge or dismiss the case altogether.

Statistics
The statistics on yearly online sexual solicitations are thought provoking. Around 2,500 people are arrested every year for an internet sex crime against a minor.

Penalties

The consequences for committing an internet sex crime can be just as severe as any other crime, if not more. For instance, a penalty for an internet sex crime can be years in prison, a steep fine, registration as a sex offender and a reputation that may have detrimental effects on a person’s career, life and well being. However, like any other crime an innocent person can find themselves being targeted in a crime task force investigation. Therefore, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer with experience in the field of computer crimes. When you or a family member’s reputation and career are on the line, because of a computer/internet sex crime accusation, speak with an experienced and passionate computer crime attorney in New York at The law office of Paul D. Petrus Jr. & Associates. Attorney Petrus will work to do everything in his power to obtain a successful resolution to your case.

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Types of Computer Offenses

New York’s Penal Law includes a section for offenses involving computers. The law prohibits a variety of computer-related actions, including:

Unauthorized use of a Computer

As defined by §156.05 of the Penal Law, unauthorized use of a computer occurs when an individual accesses a computer without permission, and the system is protected in a manner to prevent unauthorized use. This crime is an “A” misdemeanor, but you can face jail time of up to 1 year.

Computer Trespassing

As defined by §156.10 of the Penal Law, a person is guilty of computer trespassing when he or she knowingly uses, causes to be used, or accesses a computer, computer service, or computer network without authorization and:
He or she does so with an intent to commit or attempt to commit or further the commission of any felony; or
He or she thereby knowingly gains access to computer material.
In many cases, computer trespassing is accomplished by luring people to click on attachments or download files. Computer trespass is a class “E” felony.

Computer Tampering

Computer tampering occurs when someone uses a computer without authorization in order to alter, destroy or remove data. In a case of computer tampering, the information can be in a secured area or in someone’s home.
Computer tampering almost always occurs with another white-collar crime, such as identity theft or fraud. While the base level offense is an “A” misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, if the damage exceeds $1,000, $3,000 or $50,000, then the crime is a more serious felony.
These felonies carry a potential sentence as high as fifteen years in state prison. Computer tampering in the fourth degree is a class “A” misdemeanor, in the third degree is a class “E” felony, in the second degree is a class “D” felony, and in the first degree is a class “C” felony.

Unlawful Duplication of Computer-Related Material

Under New York Penal Law 156.30 (First degree) or New York Penal Law 156.29 (Second degree), the general premise of Unlawful Duplication of Computer Related Material is that you duplicate or copy records or data that is computer material.
As a misdemeanor crime, you must copy this data without permission and it must relate to medical records. As a felony, this offense must also involve a lack of permission, but the type of records is expanded further. Unlawful Duplication of Computer Related Material can range from a “B” misdemeanor to an “E” felony. While NY PL 156.30 is punishable by up to one and one third to four years in state prison (even for a first time offender), NY PL 156.29 is punishable by significantly less time.

If you have been accused of a computer crime in New York , speak with a computer crime attorney with technical as well as legal experience.  You can contact New York computer crime attorney at the law office of Paul D. Petrus Jr. to get an aggressive computer crime defense in New York City.

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