Internet Crimes
Cybercrimes Defense in Houston: Brazoria, Ft. Bend, Galveston, Harris & Montgomery Counties
The use of the Internet has allowed millions of people to connect in ways that were never before possible. While many people use the Internet for positive purposes, some choose to misuse the World Wide Web for criminal actions. Internet crimes fall into many categories, but all types of cybercrimes share some similar traits.
Cybercrimes are explained in Chapter 33 of the Texas Penal Code. In general, most types of computer-based crimes try to infringe upon the rights of others in some way. These infractions can include harassment, fraudulent acts, hacking or theft of personal information. Almost anyone can become a victim of computer crimes, and the penalties for such crimes can be very severe.
Types of Computer-Based Crimes
Listing all of the different criminal activities that are possible to commit while using a computer is nearly impossible because of the complex nature of such actions. However, providing a brief list of some of the most common computer crimes can shed some insight into the nature of these offenses.
- Harassment: This crime was possible to commit before the advent of the Internet, yet the World Wide Web has made this action somewhat easier to commit. Computer-based harassment can often take the form of repeated unwanted advances or solicitations of one person by another through the use of the Internet. This can include requests for services, threats or demands that someone finds unnecessary, intrusive or frightening.
- Fraud: An increasingly common cybercrime is fraud. This crime can involve, for example, the misrepresentation of personal information or intents in order to trick someone out of money, services or favors. Usually, this computer crime involves giving misleading information to someone with the aim of obtaining money or private financial information.
- Hacking: “Hacking” is the term given to an action committed by someone who uses computer access to illegally obtain private or personal data. Hackers may be novices or skilled experts, but they almost always share a common goal: stealing the private information of an unsuspecting victim for personal gain.
Internet Crimes Penalties
The punishments for computer-based crimes can vary according to the nature or severity of the crimes committed. Possible penalties include:
- Fines
- Jail or prison sentences
- Community service
- Probation
Legal Defenses for Cybercrimes
A qualified Internet crimes attorney can help provide the expertise necessary to defend against computer crime charges. A cybercrimes defense attorney may be able to show that the prosecution’s case cannot provide convincing evidence that the defendant committed the alleged actions or that incriminating evidence was gathered illegally.
While there is no guarantee that an Internet crimes lawyer can get an alleged offender off the hook, consulting with a qualified attorney is always the smart thing to do.
Call an Internet Crimes Attorney in Houston, TX and Get Help
If you have been accused of committing a computer-based criminal offense, Houston lawyer Greg Tsioros will do everything he can to help you.
Call (832) 752-5972 to schedule a free consultation with The Law Office of Greg Tsioros.