North Carolina Federal Cybercrime Lawyer

North Carolina Federal Cybercrime Attorney

Cybercrime is a newer and constantly evolving form of criminal activity that involves the use of a computer, the internet, or any sort of network device, including cell phones and tablets. These unique crimes have the ability to completely shatter the lives of those accused of this type of crime. If you’ve been accused, a experienced North Carolina federal cybercrime lawyer at W. James Payne Law Firm can help.

Cybercrime in North Carolina

A considerable majority of cybercrimes are prosecuted at the federal level rather than at the state level due to the involvement of the internet as a significant element of the alleged crime. Cybercrimes often cross state lines and even international borders, which greatly increases the chances of being charged under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Modern cybercrime laws are constantly changing because both the internet and social networking are also constantly changing. Law enforcement and legal professionals alike must continue to adapt to understand and enforce these crimes accurately. If you fear you may have committed a cybercrime, consider speaking with an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer to explore your options for defense.

Common Cybercrimes in North Carolina

Virtually any crime committed through the use of a computer may be considered a cybercrime, but some may be more common than others in North Carolina. The internet is a vast landscape of possibilities, traps, and potential. In many cases, you may be committing a cybercrime and be totally unaware that you are doing anything wrong until the police or federal agents knock on your door. Here are some common cybercrimes that happen in North Carolina all the time:

• Internet Fraud: There are people committing internet fraud on a daily basis all around the world. Internet fraud happens when somebody intentionally misrepresents themselves online with the intention of manipulating someone into giving them money, banking information, or even property. You may have seen an internet fraud situation without knowing about it, such as a fake ad for a free television.
• Cyberbullying: People get harassed on the internet all the time, for a wide variety of reasons. For many abusers, it can be easier to hurt someone through online chat than in real life. While cyberbullying or cyberstalking does happen online, that does not make the crime any less serious, especially to the alleged victim. If you are accused of cyberbullying, you may want to speak with a lawyer.
• Sex Crimes: Online sex crimes happen on a daily basis, and they are also taken just as seriously as in-person sex crimes. The modern information age has made it far easier to access child pornography or solicit a minor for a sexual encounter. These crimes are also much easier to trace if there is a substantial digital footprint.
• Phishing: In recent years, phishing has become a considerable issue in certain workplaces. If one is not particularly tech-savvy, it may not be that easy to identify a phishing scam. Phishing scams occur when an online stranger tries to trick or manipulate you into revealing personal information about yourself by posing as a business entity. If someone accuses you of running a phishing scam, you should contact a lawyer.

Cybercrimes pose significant risks to individuals and organizations and have the potential to cause severe financial, emotional, and reputational harm. If you’ve been accused of committing a cybercrime, it is important to take immediate steps to understand and protect your rights, especially since federal cybercrimes can carry serious consequences.

FAQs

What Federal Agency Deals With Cyber Crime?

There are multiple federal agencies that deal with cybercrime. The agency that responds to the situation will largely depend on the crime itself. Many cybercrimes are handled by the FBI’s Cybercrime Division, which investigates cyberattacks from both foreign and domestic potential threats. The Department of Homeland Security is also responsible for handling certain cyber threats, as well as the CISA and DC3.

What Is the Main Federal Law Used to Prosecute Cyber Crime?

While there are multiple federal laws in place to assist in the prosecution of cybercrime, the main one used is the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). This federal law prohibits unauthorized access to networks under the control of federal or financial institutions, cracks down on the trafficking of online passwords, fights back against cyber extortion, and helps prevent cyber harassment.

What Are the Penalties for Cyber Crimes in the United States?

The penalties that you could face for a cybercrime conviction in the United States depend largely on the details of your case and the crime you are accused of committing. Cybercrimes are treated with as much scrutiny and focus as in-person crimes. Depending on what you are being accused of and the charges being pursued by the prosecution, you could be looking at significant prison time and hefty fines. You should speak with a lawyer about your options.

How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

Every criminal defense case is different, which means that the amount your criminal lawyer may charge you for their services in North Carolina is also going to vary. Your lawyer’s fee is largely going to be dependent on the complexities of your case, and a cybercrime charge can be awfully complex. Additionally, your lawyer’s experience and education will play a part in their fee.

Contact Us to Get Help with Cyber Crime Cases

Being charged with a cybercrime may not feel like a big deal at first, but the consequences you could face for certain cybercrimes are serious. In order to avoid significant prison time or other harsh penalties, you should reach out to an experienced cybercrime lawyer for assistance. Having someone on your side who understands the difficulties of what’s at stake can really make a substantial difference for you.

The legal team at W. James Payne Law Firm can assist you in figuring out the full scope of your cybercrime charge and help you establish a strong defense strategy. Contact us to speak with a member of our team about your case and a possible consultation.