As people conduct more of their daily lives online, federal law enforcement officers have increasingly turned their focus to investigating and prosecuting cybercrimes. Cybercrime can include any criminal offenses committed using a digital device, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Cybercrimes may or may not involve social media or occur over the internet and can include crimes such as theft, harassment, fraud, and unlawful access (hacking).

Building a successful defense against a federal cybercrime charge requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the legal and technical elements of the government’s case. To succeed, you need a federal criminal defense lawyer who is well-versed in federal cybercrime law and knows how to get results.

The Law Offices Of Hope C. Lefeber exclusively represents people facing criminal charges in federal court. Ms. Lefeber will carefully review the charges against you and prepare a defense that will show there is reasonable doubt as to whether you committed the crime you are accused of.

Understanding US Cybercrime

Cybercrime refers to any criminal activity committed using the internet or a digital device. Federal cybercrime offenses often involve the theft, wire fraud, fraud or manipulation of data, systems, or networks, often, but not always, for financial gain.

Common examples of US cybercrimes include:

• Ransomware attacks - encrypting a victim’s files and demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key.
• Wire fraud - use of computers, online or wire payments, transmittal of communications through email and other digital means to conduct fraud.
• Online fraud - tricking users into providing personal information, often for financial gain.
• Cyber Bullying or Stalking - sending or sharing harmful content about someone else, causing psychological and emotional harm
• Theft of intellectual property - stealing digital assets such as software code, trade secrets, copyrighted materials, licensed materials or patented items.
• Identify theft - using another person’s personal data, like credit card numbers, or pictures without their permission to commit a crime.
• Social media Frauds - using fake social media accounts to perform any kind of harmful activities like impersonating other user or sending intimidating or threatening messages.
• Unauthorized access to or use of a system or network - accessing a computer system or network without authorization.
• Cryptocurrency crimes - any illegal activity involving cryptocurrency.

The punishment for cybercrime varies significantly depending on the amount of loss and the specific crime committed. The best way to fully understand the potential penalties you could be facing is to speak with an experienced federal cybercrime defense lawyer.

Federal Cybercrime Defense

Your specific defenses to a federal cybercrime charge will vary depending on the nature of the crime you are accused of. A sound cybercrime defense strategy will address both the legal and technical aspects of the alleged crime.

Seek Legal Assistance During the Investigation

If you were asked to turn over electronic devices, understand that you are likely the target in a cybercrime investigation and ask to speak to an attorney first. If you are involved in a workplace investigation, your devices may have already been searched. Regardless of the situation, there is no way to know how long you or your devices have been under government surveillance.

Your Right Counsel and to Remain Silent

If law enforcement officials failed to read you your Miranda rights, statements you made may not be admissible in court. You also have the right to remain silent. Explain to the law enforcement officers that you want to cooperate but wish to speak to a lawyer first. Then contact the Law Offices of Hope C. Lefeber.

Unlawful Search & Seizure

Law enforcement officials are prohibited from conducting unlawful searches and seizures. If the police, FBI, or other law enforcement officials conducted a search without a warrant or probable cause, the evidence obtained could be inadmissible in court.

Mistaken Identity

When a cybercrime has been committed on a computer, tablet or phone, it may be difficult for the government to prove who actually committed the crime. A competent and aggressive attorney can assert defenses that challenge the government’s assumptions. Many people are falsely accused of an internet crime because someone else used their computer, WiFi, or stole their identity. Also, many breaches are caused by human error, so many people get caught up0 in illegal activities online, unwittingly.

Insufficient the Evidence

The evidence in many federal cybercrime cases is circumstantial because no one observed the defendant commit the alleged crime. Instead, the government’s case is built on evidence obtained by examining computer devices. Under cross examination, most forensic experts will need to concede that they cannot be sure whether the defendant is the one who actually committed the alleged crime.

Work with a Technical Expert

When defending against a US cybercrime allegation, having a technical expert on your team is crucial. Cybercrime cases often involve complex technical evidence, and an expert can provide invaluable insight into the technical elements of the case by identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and helping to develop a strong defense.

Contact the Law Offices of Hope C. Lefeber for US Cybercrime Defense

If you are accused of a cybercrime, remember you are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Law Offices of Hope C. Lefeder will build a comprehensive defense to federal cybercrime charges. We will assess your unique circumstances to determine the best course of action for your defense strategy for an internet crime. To learn more and begin preparing your defense, contact The Law Offices of Hope C. Lefeber today.