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Computer Crimes
Ruane Attorneys is a law firm founded on one guiding principle – put the client first. Since founding partner James J. Ruane began practicing law in 1978, we have been making a difference both inside and outside of the courtroom. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, get the team trusted by clients with over 1000 Google Reviews and a rating over 4.8 stars.
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Full Read: 3 minutes
Computer Crimes
Computers now take center stage as a crime scene for the new interconnected world. Still, few have training in computer forensics to properly investigate or defend cyber crime.
If charged with a crime involving computers in Connecticut, you need to have an attorney knowledgeable in both the criminal law and process but also computer technology – since many judges don’t! When your lawyer understands the technology, you can feel safe knowing that your interests will get protected. We have seen cases in which someone told clients that a hacking fix took hours or days to fix, when our knowledge can proved they should have fixed it in mere minutes. This should lessen the out of pocket costs of restitution.
Familiarizing yourself with the consequences involved in different computer crimes can prepare you for your case.
Crimes and Consequences
| Degree of Computer Crime | Amount of Damage or Harm Required | Penalty |
| 1st degree | Damage to or the value of the property or computer services is over $10,000 | B felony (up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, or both) |
| 2nd degree | Damage to or the value of the property or computer services is over $5,000 | C felony (up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both) |
| 3rd degree | Damage to or the value of the property or computer services is over $1,000. Reckless conduct that creates a risk of serious physical injury to another person | D felony (up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both) |
| 4th degree | Damage to or the value of the property or computer services is over $500 | A misdemeanor (up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $2,000, or both) |
| 5th degree | Damage to or the value of the property or computer services, if any, is $500 or less | B misdemeanor (up to six months in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both) |
Note: This chart provided by: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2012/rpt/2012-R-0254.htm
10 Things to Know About Computer Crimes
- Computer crime is on the rise due to the increases in technology and prevalence of personal computers/smart phones.
- When hiring a lawyer to defend you, you want to look for someone with experience in computer crime defense and one who has knowledge about computer technology.
- Damaging someone else’s computer can have serious consequences: you could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $15,000 if you damage a equipment worth over $10,000.
- Computer crimes such as sexting, child pornography, and identity theft have increased due to the rise of computers.
- You can face charges for multiple computer crimes at once.
- Minors can face charges for several different types of computer crimes, such as cyber bullying, sexting, and possession of child pornography.
- The best thing that you can do to defend yourself against a computer crime charge is hire a well-practiced criminal defense lawyer to assist you.
- Computer crimes can be pursued as federal or state crimes.
- If you are a person of interest in a computer crime investigation, do not volunteer information to the police.
- Find a lawyer who offers a free consultation and get free information/advice on your case before you decide to retain.
