Information on Internet Crimes: Sex Crimes, Fraud
The internet is a great tool for spreading information and communicating, but it has also become an arena for new types of crime. Many of these crimes carry very severe penalties, and it is important for anyone who uses the internet to understand the possible consequences of their actions and the necessity of a criminal defense attorney.
Sex Crimes
Prosecutable internet sex crimes include solicitation of a minor and possession of child pornography. Solicitation is a broad term that includes any sexual conversation with a minor and is often the charge levied against those arrested in chat room sting operations. To prosecute for possession of child pornography, the prosecutor must prove that the accused knew the illegal images were on his computer and had control of them.
Fraud
Beyond sexual offenses, other crimes perpetrated on the internet can include credit card fraud, identity theft, email fraud, and auction fraud. These crimes usually involve stealing someone’s personal information or taking money either under false pretenses or for goods that are never delivered. Anyone accused of an internet crime needs an attorney experienced in defending these offenses, as they are unique from other types of fraud.
Advice for Those Accused of Internet Crimes
A person accused of an internet crime, particularly a sex crime, should remain calm and remember the following tips:
- Make of list of other persons who had access to the computer in question: To prosecute someone, the police must show that he perpetrated the acts, not merely that he had access to a computer on which illegal acts were committed.
- Do not talk to police: Anyone accused of a crime should wait to speak to the police until he has spoken with an attorney who can advise him. Do not try to represent yourself without a lawyer; internet crimes are very specialized crimes that require an experienced defense lawyer.
At the Law Offices of David S. Shrager, we have years of experiencing defending suspects accused of internet crimes and ensuring they get the acquittals they deserve. For more information, call our Pittsburgh criminal defense attorneys at (412) 567-5833.
Disclaimer: The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the firm or any individual attorney.
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