The internet has brought incredible new opportunities to all kinds of people. Writers have more opportunities to be published; musicians have opportunities to be heard; and criminals have new ways to commit crimes. Law enforcement has poured massive resources into preventing and deterring computer crimes, yet computer-savvy criminals often remain a step ahead of the police. Law enforcement operations are sometimes conducted hastily, which means the evidence they collect may not be admissible. If you’re charged with any computer-related crime in southern California, call the Miranda Rights Law Firm in Los Angeles at once. You need a Los Angeles computer crime attorney who is fluent in computers and the internet. Douglas Miranda is that attorney. For over a decade, he has defended those charged with computer crimes in Los Angeles and throughout southern California.

WE ARE THE COMPUTER CRIME EXPERTS

The Miranda Rights Law Firm is well-versed in the legal field of computer crimes and has represented clients in a variety of criminal cases where a computer was allegedly used. Most computer crimes lead to serious charges; lengthy prison terms and substantial fines are among the potential penalties. Whether it’s a financial crime, a sex crime, or some other computer-related felony or misdemeanor, we look for mistakes in the police investigation. Innocent people are sometimes confused or tricked into clicking a link online and wind up accidentally involved in a criminal activity. Experienced Los Angeles computer crime attorney, Douglas Miranda will compile evidence on your behalf, safeguard your rights, and bring your computer crime case to its best possible outcome.

IDENTITY THEFT

Identity is one of the most common computer crimes that is charged in the state of California. Identity theft occurs when someone obtains another person’s personal identifying information in order to use the information in an unlawful or fraudulent manner. Personal information can include a person’s name, address, date of birth, social security number, passport information, driver’s license information, employee ID, bank account or routing number, credit card number, or information that is found on a person’s birth certificate.

Those who commit identity theft are usually motivated by:

• Financial gain: the defendant could be accused of using the victim’s information to buy something online, for example
• Escape from harm: the defendant could be accused of using the victim’s information to escape criminal liability
• Harm: the defendant could be accused of using the victim’s information to cause the victim harm, either financially or emotionally

In California, identity theft is considered a wobbler, meaning it can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor. The prosecutor is the one who determines whether to pursue felony or misdemeanor charges, and this is usually determined by looking at your prior record and the severity of the crime. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor identity theft charge, you may face up to one year in county jail and up to a $1,000 fine. However, if you are convicted of a felony identity theft charge, you could face up to three years in county jail and a fine up to $10,000.

However, each time that you use someone’s personal information, it is a separate charge of identity theft. For example, if you steal one person’s credit card information to make online purchases, you will be charged with one count of identity theft for every purchase that you make. This lengthens the sentences that many people who are convicted of identity theft face.

If you or a loved one has been charged with identity theft, contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

CONTACTING A MINOR WITH INTENT TO COMMIT A FELONY

Another common computer crime that is committed in California is contacting a minor with the intent to commit a felony. Under California law, it is illegal to contact or communicate with a minor when you are aware that the person is a minor and you have the intent to commit a sex crime or other serious felony. Even if you never follow through with committing the felony, as long as the intent can be proven, you may be convicted of this crime.

Many defendants are charged with this crime after communicating with minors online, which is why this is considered a common computer crime. For example, someone who knowingly talks to a minor online and arranges plans to meet in person to commit a sex crime could be charged with contacting a minor with the intent to commit a felony. Another example would be someone who contacts teenagers online in an attempt to get the minors to send pornographic images.

This crime is so common that law enforcement often goes undercover in chat rooms and on social media platforms to lure people who are attempting to contact minors with the intent to commit a felony.

If you are charged with contacting a minor with the intent to commit a felony, you will face the same penalties that you would face if you followed through with the felony. Therefore, if you are convicted of contacting a minor with the intent to commit lewd acts on a child under the age of 14, you would face the penalties of committing a lewd act on a child, even if the crime never actually occurred.

Because the consequences are so serious, it’s imperative that you contact an experienced Los Angeles computer crimes attorney if you are charged with contacting a minor using a computer with the intent to commit a felony.

PROTECT YOUR TOMORROW AND CALL US TODAY

If you’ve been charged with any kind of computer crime, let us work for you. After examining your computer crime case, Los Angeles computer crime attorney, Douglas Miranda will explain your legal options and start developing the most effective possible defense on your behalf. At the Miranda Rights Law Firm, we take our responsibility to our clients seriously, and we put our experience to work for you. To arrange for a free consultation with an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, contact us today. Send an email, or call 213-293-1207. Se habla español.