Wilton Computer Crimes Lawyer
A qualified Wilton computer crimes lawyer could help you understand how state law defines this unique category of criminal acts, what options you may have for defending yourself in court, and what possible sanctions you could face upon conviction. Once retained, your dedicated defense attorney could work tenaciously on your behalf to secure the best outcome possible to your case.
What Are The Computer Crimes in Wilton?
There are numerous illicit acts involving computer systems and networks that could fall under the blanket term of “computer crime” as it is defined under Connecticut law. According to Connecticut General Statutes §53a-251, a computer crime may entail any of the following actions:
- Accessing a computer system knowingly without authorization
- Tampering with, damaging, or destroying physical computer equipment
- Interrupting computer services for an authorized user
- Stealing computer services
- Misusing computer system information in any way
What Are the Penalties for Cybercrimes?
Computer crimes can be either misdemeanors of felonies depending on how much monetary damage a defendant’s actions allegedly caused. C.G.S. §53a-256 defines any computer crime that results in less than $500 worth of harm as a computer crime in the fifth degree, a class B misdemeanor punishable by no more than six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
If a computer crime results in between $500 and $1,000 of damage, it becomes a fourth-degree offense classified as a class A misdemeanor under C.G.S. §53a-255. Working with a skilled Wilton computer crimes attorney may be critical to mitigating the penalties from a conviction for this offense, which could include a year in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
When Are Cybercrimes Considered Felonies?
If someone causes more than $1,000 worth of harm through any kind of computer crime, they may face felony charges rather than misdemeanor charges. According to C.G.S. §53a-254, any computer crime resulting in between $1,000 and $5,000 is a class D felony computer crime in the third degree, for which a conviction could result in a five-year prison sentence and up to a $5,000 fine.
C.G.S. §53a-253 defines second-degree computer crimes as any such offense that causes between $5,000 and $10,000 in damages. Penalties commensurate with a class C felony may be imposed upon conviction, including a maximum ten-year prison sentence and $10,000 fine. Finally, C.G.S. §53a-252 makes computer crimes in the first degree—any such offense causing more than $10,000 in damages—a class B felony, meaning a conviction could lead to a 20-year prison term and a $15,000 fine.
It should also be noted that C.G.S. §53a-257 allows courts to impose fines equivalent to twice the financial gain a defendant made through a computer crime, rather than the fine prescribed by law for their offense’s particular classification. A computer crimes lawyer in Wilton could offer more clarification about what repercussion may stem from a particular charge or conviction.
Talk to a Wilton Computer Crimes Attorney Today
Cybercrimes can result in significant criminal convictions even when classified as misdemeanors, and more severe offenses have the potential to put you in prison for years and permanently brand you as a felon once you finish your sentence. A knowledgeable Wilton computer crimes lawyer could provide irreplaceable guidance and support from start to finish of your case. Click this link to visit avvo.com and read our hundreds of 5-star reviews to see how we can help you.