Computer fraud and Cyber Crimes in Ohio

We live in a technology-driven society. The Columbus criminal defense lawyers of Palmer Legal Defense will represent you with integrity and professionalism if you have been charged with a “cyber crime,” that is, computer or Internet crime.

What is computer and Internet fraud?

If you utilize a computer or the Internet to facilitate activities that violate the law, you are committing fraud.

• Attempt to physically destroy a computer
• Possession, distribution, or creation of internet and/or child pornography
• Infect a computer system with a virus
• Gain privileged access to a computer or network system – also known as hacking
• Change, use, share, duplicate or steal computer programs or information – includes stealing a company’s trade secrets, copyrighted music or films
• Prevent someone else from utilizing or accessing a computer
• Obtain illegal internet service – occurs when a computer hacker accesses online services belonging to someone else and utilizes them without paying, including online banking services and email accounts

Cyber Crime Penalties

The penalties for computer and Internet fraud can be extreme, ranging from hefty fines to lengthy jail sentences. The Columbus criminal defense lawyers practicing at Palmer Legal Defense in Ohio have the legal know-how to examine your case and apprise you of the best course of legal action.

CYBERSTALKING LAWS

Fighting for the accused in a digital age

Anything you put on the Internet stays there forever, or so it is said. As a result, you need to be more careful than ever about what you post online, especially when emotions are running high. At Palmer Legal Defense, our attorneys understand just how quickly a wrong word or turn-of-phrase can be used against you and lead to an accusation of cyberstalking.

Determining the level of cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is prosecuted under Ohio Revised Code 2903.11 Menacing by Stalking or 2917.21(A) Telecommunications Harassment. These charges are serious, and they apply whether your conduct was sexually motivated or not. According to Ohio law someone who knowingly causes another person to believe that they will physically harm them or will cause them mental distress is guilty of menacing by stalking.

This includes messages posted through the Internet or other telecommunication devices, like phones or pagers. Based on this standard alone, cyberstalking is considered a first-degree misdemeanor. However, a wide variety of factors and situations can result in the charge being increased to felony status.

• The person accused has previously been convicted of menacing by stalking or aggravated trespass
• The victim is a minor
• The offender has a history of violence towards the victim or another person
• The incident includes trespassing on the property where the victim lives, goes to school or their place of work
• The victim was already protected by court order
• There was property damage to the victims personal premises as a result of the incident
• The offense relates to the victim’s work at a children’s services agency
• The offender made a threat of physical harm against the victim or incited another person to do so

The consequences of a conviction

The charge can also be elevated to a felony if the defendant is in possession of a deadly weapon during the incident.

• First-degree misdemeanor — Up to 180 days in jail
• Fourth-degree felony — Up to 18 months in jail

Call us if you’re facing cyberstalking charges in the Greater Columbus area

You can count on the attorneys at Palmer Legal Defense to represent your case in a positive light and to ensure that your side of the story is heard.