Darien Computer Crimes Lawyer
For anyone dealing with accusations of computer crimes help is available from a qualified Connecticut defense attorney. A Darien computer crimes lawyer with experience representing individuals in situations like yours could explain your charges to you, walk you through your legal options, and work diligently to secure a beneficial case result on your behalf.
What Is a “Computer Crime” in Darien?
While the term “computer crime” has a broad colloquial meaning, it actually has a specific legal definition under Connecticut state law. According to Connecticut General Statutes §53a-251, a person commits a “computer crime” when they do any of the following:
- Access a computer system without authorization
- Steal computer-based services
- Knowingly or recklessly disrupt or degrade computer services for other people
- Use, copy, distribute, receive, alter, or destroy computer system information without authorization
- Intentionally or recklessly damage, alter, or destroy computer equipment
Are There Any Defenses to Computer Crimes in Darien?
There is only one affirmative defense to computer crimes as per this section of state law, and it only applies to one particular type of computer crime. Specifically, a person cannot face criminal consequences for unlawfully accessing a computer system if they reasonably believed they had authorization to access this system, reasonably believed a so-empowered system user would have authorized them to access the system, or did not realize their accessing the system was unauthorized. A Darien computer crimes attorney could help determine whether this defense applies in a particular case, and if not, help construct a comprehensive alternative strategy.
What Consequences Could I Face If I’m Convicted?
C.G.S. §§53a-252 through 53a-256 defines five degrees of computer crimes, two of which are misdemeanors and three of which are felonies. The degree a particular offense falls into depends on the financial value of the damage a computer crime caused to property or services. Offenses resulting in less than $1,000 worth of harm are considered misdemeanors, whereas offenses that cause more than $1,000 worth of damage—or which involve reckless conduct that puts at least one other person at risk of serious injury—are felonies.
Based on a computer crime’s classification, maximum penalties upon conviction range from six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for a fifth-degree offense, to a prison sentence of one to 20 years and a fine of $15,000. Furthermore, as per C.G.S. §53a-262, installing ransomware on someone else’s computer and using it to extort them financially is a separate class E felony punishable by up to three years in prison and a $3,500. Mitigating these potential sanctions and seeking a more favorable case outcome is often much easier with guidance from a seasoned computer crimes lawyer in Darien.
Speak with a Darien Computer Crimes Attorney Today
Your first priority after being accused of this a computer offense should be contacting a Darien computer crimes lawyer and discussing what your next move should be. Call today to schedule your initial consultation. You can read hundreds of reviews from prior clients to learn just how we can help you by following this link.