Criminal Defense For Computer Crimes In New Jersey
As life moves more and more online, and the options available to all of us expand through the internet and social media platforms, so does the accompanying criminal activity. The state has considerable resources ready to invest in investigating and prosecuting criminals for computer crimes. Understandably, computer crimes are complicated. With over 30 years of criminal justice experience, if you have been accused of a computer crime in Camden County or any of its surrounding communities, I can help. At The Law Office of Jill R. Cohen, I confidently handle computer crime cases for clients throughout South Jersey. I pride myself on the time I spend with each client, explaining the charges they are facing and the potential defenses we can mount, in order to protect their freedom and future as thoroughly as possible.
Computer Theft And Identity Crimes
The Cyber Crimes Unit is tasked with investigating computer crimes in the state of New Jersey. They investigate crimes like data fraud, credit card fraud, computer identity theft and cyberstalking. Generally, computer crimes involve intentionally accessing computer data, online accounts or networks without the necessary or proper authorization for the purpose of committing a crime. Being convicted of a computer crime can result in fines and even prison time. But a conviction of a computer crime can have lasting effects beyond just the immediate penalties imposed at sentencing. A conviction will turn up in an investigation into your background for future employment or housing applications. An experienced criminal defense attorney
Internet Sex Crimes In New Jersey
When you decide to type words into a search engine or browse the internet for images and videos, you may not stop to think about the consequences of your actions. But clicking on the wrong link or file can lead to you being charged with various computer sex crimes that can result in serious penalties such as prison time, fines, sex offender registration requirements and parole supervision for life.
New Jersey law enforcement officials are extremely vigilant in looking out for potential computer sex crime activity and frequently monitor online forums, chatrooms and social networking sites to identify people who may be engaged in unlawful activity. Investigators also often engage in sting operations against people they suspect may engage in unlawful activity online.
There are a number of computer sex crimes under New Jersey law. Some of the conduct that may lead to your arrest and prosecution including:
Child Pornography Crimes
The law prohibits the possession, copying or dissemination of any audiovisual material that depicts minors engaging in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity. It is not a defense to child pornography charges to claim that you didn’t know that the subjects of photos or videos were minors or that you didn’t intend to share those materials.
Online Luring And Lewd Behavior On The Internet And Social Media
New Jersey’s criminal statutes also prohibit the act of arranging a meeting with a minor for the purposes of engaging in sexual activity. New Jersey law further makes it illegal for anyone to communicate with a minor on the internet in a lewd manner. This obviously includes any of the social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.
Endangering The Welfare Of A Child
Many computer crime cases involving children also incorporate charges of endangering the welfare of a child. The endangering statute prohibits any activity that tends to “impair or debauch the morals of a minor.” Conduct such as engaging in sexual activity with a minor, filming or photographing a minor engaging in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity, or knowingly distributing materials depicting children being abused or exploited have all been charged under the endangering the welfare of a child statute. Particularly egregious conduct can even result in first-degree indictable offense charges.
Required Registration As A Sex Offender
New Jersey classifies computer and internet sex crimes as felonies, meaning that convictions automatically result in sex offender registration requirements. Many computer sex crimes will require you to register as a sex offender, either for a term of years or potentially even for the rest of your life. In addition to a sex offender registration requirement, you may also be subject to judicial supervision for the rest of your life, which can impose additional restrictions and requirements upon you.
Do You Suspect You Are Under Observation For Internet Crimes?
Even if you haven’t been formally arrested or charged with computer crimes but merely suspect that you are being investigated for such offenses, it is critical that you speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who has extensive experience representing clients facing technology-related crimes. Moving quickly to secure evidence will help build a strong legal defense on your behalf might help you avoid the disruption and stigma of an arrest or criminal charge or at least put yourself in a good position to seek a favorable outcome in the event you are arrested and charged with computer crimes. In addition, computer crimes are often investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In the event a federal investigation is involved, you could be facing criminal federal charges that, if convicted, always include serious fines and even mandatory prison sentences.
Schedule A Free Case Review With Me
If you or a family member has been arrested for and charged with computer crimes in New Jersey, you need to act quickly if you want to defend your freedom and your future. Call my Haddonfield office today at 856-754-5501 or contact me online now to schedule a free initial consultation.