Fort Lauderdale Internet Crime Lawyer
Your computer could be your worst enemy
Computers have a long memory. They remember every picture or article you have ever downloaded and every email you have ever sent or received. They store away bits and pieces of information that the technologically savvy can pry out — even after you think you have successfully disposed of them.
If you are being investigated for Internet crime, your computer may become the government’s star witness against you. As federal Internet crimes attorneys, our first piece of advice is to never use your computer for anything you do not want used against you in a court of law. Our second piece of advice: If you have not heeded the first piece of advice and are now facing a federal computer crimes charge, get immediate legal representation. Contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale internet crime lawyer for information and assistance today.
We protect your constitutional rights
At Kevin J. Kulik, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale, we provide several defensive strategies that take into account likely — and sometimes even unlikely — prosecutorial moves. As a federal crimes attorney, Kevin Kulik knows that going up against the FBI, the Department of Justice and the assistant U.S. attorney takes preparation and ample use of those rights guaranteed to you by the Constitution. Among those is protection against illegal search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment. Your computer and even your mobile device, tablet or smartphone can be confiscated, and all the private information contained in them picked through by the FBI, the Secret Service or other federal law enforcement agency.
The first line of defense is often a preemptive strike. We seek to have evidence thrown out on the basis of improper procedure in seizure of your computer — and we have a track record of success in defending clients throughout Florida who have been accused of computer crimes and other white collar crimes.
Have you been charged with computer fraud?
Computer fraud covers a wide range of offenses that have one thing in common: the use of the computer to steal information or deceive people, often for monetary gain. Like wire fraud, in which a criminal activity is conducted through the Internet or telecommunication, computer fraud can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on circumstances and severity. Phishing, or masquerading as a legitimate bank, business or other entity to deceive someone into revealing passwords or credit card information, is the first step of full-fledged identity theft, a federal offense since 1998.
Like phishing scams, computer hacking is a crime under the U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Hackers may be falsely accused of intentionally damaging files, Web pages or software simply because they are adept at programming and enjoy exploring programs. However, hacking to deliberately deliver malware, viruses or denial-of-service attacks (including phlashing), to steal private and confidential information or to disrupt a network is a punishable federal offense.
Because of the enormous costs to consumers and businesses, only counter-terrorism and counterespionage are higher priorities for the FBI than the fight against cybercrime.
Penalties for computer fraud felony conviction include fines of $100,000 or more and the possibility of incarceration or probation.
Internet child pornography is aggressively investigated and vigorously prosecuted
Few crimes raise more public outrage than those surrounding child pornography on the Internet. Quite simply, federal law prohibits the reception, production, possession or distribution of child pornography. When it involves the Internet, federal jurisdiction always applies. Even a travel agent who arranges an overseas sex tourism trip over the Internet can be charged with this crime.
If you have been charged with or are under investigation for Web-based child pornography, it is imperative that you get immediate legal representation. Possession or consumption of child pornography is punishable by up to five years in a federal prison, but distribution is a more serious crime and carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in a federal prison.
Exercise your right to a defense
Learn more about how we can help protect your rights in the face of a computer crime charge, contact our Fort Lauderdale internet crime lawyers today. Call us at 954-761-9411 or contact us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation with Kevin J. Kulik, P.A.
