Internet crime, also known as cyber-crime or computer crime, is a whole
new world of various criminal offenses that has only existed for a short
while. As technology continues to develop—its ultimate capabilities
becoming more and more advanced—the potential for
internet crime is consequently increasing. The possibilities are now endless, as a crime
can take place behind closed doors and remain undetected for a great period
of time. Anything from credit card fraud and
identity theft to cyber stalking and sexual exploitation are now a possibility in the
vast realm of the internet. Therefore, it is no surprise that true privacy
is a thing of the past.
Federal organizations have begun to take serious preemptive measures in
order to prevent this type of crime from happening, placing severe penalties
on anyone found guilty of an internet offense. Since the nature of these
crimes is often sophisticated and complex, however, it is becoming increasingly
hard for law enforcement agencies to prove a defendant's guilt and
subsequently prosecute the charges. For this reason, an individual who
is suspected of a cyber-crime may be put under surveillance for a period
of time while the appropriate organization conducts an investigation of
the person in question.
If you are under investigation for an internet crime, or have already been
formally charged with a criminal offense, it is in your best interest
to act quickly by enlisting the help of a knowledgeable
criminal defense attorney. The consequences of a conviction may result in imprisonment
and the payment of costly fines, and depending on the type and severity
of the crime, you may very likely be faced with a felony offense. New
York laws take internet crime very seriously and wage punishment accordingly,
so do not hesitate to obtain the services of an experienced legal professional
as soon as you discover that you may be charged with a computer crime.