Darien Computer Crimes Lawyer

If you are accused of any type of crime involving computers, it is crucial to get legal guidance from a dedicated attorney with experience handling these types of cases. A Darien computer crimes lawyer could help defend your best interests and work to preserve your future prospects.

What are the Degrees of Computer Crimes?

Connecticut state law currently groups various types of offenses under the blanket term of “computer crimes.” According to Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-251, a computer crime may involve any of the following actions:

  • Accessing a secure computer system without authorization
  • Stealing computer services without paying for them
  • Knowingly or recklessly interrupting computer services for other users
  • Altering, distributing, or otherwise misusing secure computer system information
  • Destroying or tampering with computer system hardware

Computer crimes can be categorized into one of five degrees depending on the degree of damage the crime allegedly caused. These degrees can be found in C.G.S. §§53a-252 through 53a-256. Computer crimes in the fifth and fourth degrees are misdemeanor offenses, involving actions that cause less than $50 and between $500 and $1,000 in damage, respectively.

What are Felony Computer Crimes?

A third-degree computer crime involves between $1,000 and $5,000 in damage and includes an additional clause that the alleged crime must have created a risk of serious physical injury to another person as a result of his decision to recklessly engage in such conduct. Second-degree and first-degree offenses—respectively involving between $5,000 and $10,000 or over $10,000 of damage and a similar risk of serious physical injury requirement—are even more severe felony offenses. A knowledgeable attorney in Darien could help contest computer-related charges filed under any of these degrees.

What are the Consequences of Electronic Crimes?

A person convicted of a computer crime may face the penalties anywhere from a Class B misdemeanor offense to a Class B felony. This means that sentencing could range from a maximum six-month jail term and $1,000 fine for someone convicted of a fifth-degree computer crime, to incarceration in state prison for one to 20 years plus a $15,000 fine for a first-degree conviction.

Alternatively, C.G.S. §53a-257 allows a court to adjust the fines they impose based on the amount of financial gain the defendant enjoyed as a result of their actions. In this case, the court may impose a fine up to twice the amount gained by the defendant instead of the fine dictated by state law.

No matter what specific action led to you facing criminal charges under Connecticut’s computer crime statutes, you could face life-altering sanctions if convicted. Because of this, you should take your legal defense seriously and enlist professional legal assistance. A computer crimes lawyer in Darien could offer more clarification about what repercussions a conviction might have in a particular situation.

Speak with a Darien Computer Crimes Attorney Today

A Darien computer crimes lawyer could discuss your unique case and explain your defense options in private during an initial consultation. To learn more, schedule your consultation by calling today, and click here to read our over 300 certified client reviews on Avvo.com.

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