COMPUTER CRIMES

Broward Defense Attorney Kenneth Padowitz Has Aggressively Defended Clients Charged with Cybercrimes in South Florida

If you have been charged with computer crimes, also known as cybercrimes, it is imperative that you secure effective legal counsel to protect your rights.

These charges include unlawful acts related to the use of computers and the Internet. Under Florida law, the term “hacker” applies to individuals who participate in unauthorized access to a computer, computer system, or computer network.  Cybercrime charges include, but are not limited to, identity theft, fraud, theft, hacking, and many more.  Access made for the purpose of harm, damage, or destruction is prohibited under Florida law.  In prosecuting a charge for computer crimes, the State must prove that the defendant willfully and knowingly participated in the unlawful computer activities.  Potential defenses include authorization granted by the owner of the computer or a lack of willful and knowing intent on behalf of the offender. 

Under Florida law, computer-related charges are serious offenses.   The prosecution of an offense against computer users is generally a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and/or fines up to $5,000.  If the offense causes at least $5,000 in damage, is committed for the purpose of fraud or theft, or intentionally interrupts government operations or public services, then the crime is a second-degree felony punishable by up to fifteen years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000.  Moreover, if the offender endangers human life in the commission of the cybercrime or disrupts computers or electronic devices affecting medical equipment used in the administration of medical care or treatment of a person, then the offense is a first-degree felony punishable by increased penalties including prison term for up to thirty years and/or fines up to $10,000.

Further, wire fraud across state lines or national borders constitutes a federal offense that may be punishable by twenty years in prison and/or heavy fines.  If the victim of wire fraud is a financial institution, then the accused may face increased penalties including up to thirty years in prison and/or fines up to $1,000,000.  Kenneth Padowitz has an impressive track record of providing effective representation for clients facing computer crime charges and other serious felony offenses.