EXPERIENCED CYBER CRIMES ATTORNEY
Most Americans have access to computers and the internet; because of this, laws protect individuals from crimes that may occur online. Cybercrime includes sex crimes such as revenge porn or possession of child pornography and offenses such as phishing or online harassment. Cybercrime is taken very seriously and prosecuted by State and Federal courts. If the authorities find that your computer’s hard drive has any illegal images, conversations, or videos, authorities will charge you to the fullest extent of the law. If you are charged, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney; contact McCririe Law of Livingston County. Internet crimes are a serious matter, and we will work hard to tell your side of the story and present it to create the proper defense for your case. Some defense possibilities include plea bargaining and showing the court your support of family and friends.
Internet Sex Crimes of Varying Degrees:
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
In any visual depiction, child pornography is classified as sexual content with an individual under 18. In the State of Michigan, and according to federal law, it is illegal to create, distribute, or possess child pornography in any way, shape, or form.
Child pornography charges are taken very seriously at the Federal and state levels. A conviction of CSAM can cause you to register as a sex offender, have a hefty prison sentence and fines, and damage your reputation.
Child pornography, commonly known as Child Sexual Abuse Material (or CSAM), carries a felony sentence, a lifetime on the sex offender registry, hefty fines, and prison sentences. There are three different charges you could be looking at possession, distribution, and production. Being convicted of these crimes threaten your reputation, livelihood, and closest relationships. Child Sexual Abuse Material carries a minimum of a first-degree felony. It is a sensitive matter for the court to prosecute those who violate this law to the full extent of the law. You can’t fight these charges alone. McCririe law has 40 years of experience in sex crimes and has defended CSAM cases since the internet was first used to share child pornography material. Our attorneys have experience defending sex crimes and prosecuting them- let us help you navigate your options.
REVENGE PORN
Revenge porn is a sex crime in the State of Michigan. “Revenge Porn” occurs when somebody posts sexually explicit material with the intent to threaten, coerce, or intimidate another person through the dispersing of intimate photos or videos. When someone has issues with their ex and decides to post their most intimate moments, they could be facing misdemeanor charges and jail time, which will impact them for the rest of their life.
In Michigan, the first offense of revenge porn carries a misdemeanor charge and fines up to $500, and if there is more than one violation, you could serve up to a year in jail and a $1000 fine. Recently, more States have introduced “revenge porn” laws into their legislature, and media traction has also put this issue at the forefront of many politicians. Being charged with revenge porn is a severe offense and could damage your reputation for the rest of your life. You must seek a criminal defense attorney who has experience in sex crimes- you need McCririe Law.
ONLINE SOLICITATION
When many people think of those attempting to solicit a minor for sex, they may think of NBC’s “to catch a predator.” Online solicitation occurs when someone uses the internet to solicit sex- either prostitution or a minor. Just as with solicitation charges which do not take place on the internet, the individual does not need to engage in sex acts- but they must have the intent to commit sex acts and try to achieve this through the internet by offering to pay an individual for sexual endeavors. Solicitation of a prostitute carries misdemeanor charges, while solicitation of a minor is a felony charge. While it may be an embarrassing situation, these are serious crimes that can damage your reputation.
While you may believe you are talking with a sex worker or a minor in online conversations, you are likely talking to a law enforcement officer in a “sting.” A police sting, in this case, is when police pose as minors or prostitutes to catch those attempting to solicit sex online. If you are charged with soliciting a sex worker, you face a misdemeanor with a year-long jail sentence. A charge of solicitation of a minor, includes a felony charge and up to four years in prison. While you may not have engaged in sexual contact with any of these individuals, this is still a serious crime that is prosecuted and can land you on the sex offender registry, pay very hefty fines and serve jail or prison time. McCririe Law has worked in sex crimes for over 40 years and can help you decide your options. We’ll guide you through this anxiety-inducing process.
IDENTITY FRAUD
Identity fraud or identity theft is when someone takes another person’s identifiable information, including passwords, social security numbers, credit cards, or any other type of sensitive personal information, to commit fraud. Identity fraud can include making new accounts using stolen information, opening up new bank cards in their name, or using someone’s personal information without their knowledge or permission. Identity fraud is a severe crime prosecuted by the State of Michigan and Federally.
Identity theft occurs when someone’s personal information is used to commit fraud and must be proven intentional. Identity theft is often used on the internet medium by searching through employer databases, hacking into networks, using social media posts to extract data, and sending fraudulent texts and emails. The penalties for identity theft are harsh, carrying a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a minimum of a $25,000 fine in Michigan. If you are facing federal charges, you could face a $75,000 fine and 15 years in federal prison. To avoid a felony on your record and financial ruin, it is crucial that you get a criminal defense attorney who has a background in defending fraud charges. McCririe Law has been defending clients facing identity theft charges for over 40 years.
CRIMINAL ACTIVITY TO USE THE INTERNET TO COMMIT CRIMES
Using the internet to commit any crime carries an additional charge: and the sentence depends on the crime you committed using the internet. It is difficult enough to face criminal charges, but using the internet to commit the crime at hand, adds another charge you must deal with. It’s vital to immediately find an attorney who is experienced in both specifically cybercrimes and criminal defense to help you face the multiple charges against you.
If the first offense you are charged with is a felony, with a sentence between four and ten years, this charge is an additional felony, and it carries up to a ten-year prison sentence and $5,000 in fines. One crime suddenly becomes two if you are using the internet to commit crimes in the State of Michigan. You can’t fight these crimes alone- and McCririe law will walk you through the process and create a unique defense for you.
FAQ
CAN THE AUTHORITIES KNOW WHAT I'M DOING WHILE ON THE INTERNET?
Let’s talk about cybercrime for a minute. This is when someone uses a computer or a computer system to commit a crime, including attempting to commit a crime and even soliciting others to commit a crime. Penalties for this offense can range from one year in jail, a small fine to 20 years in prison and a hefty fine of $20,000. If you have committed a cybercrime, the authorities can and often will discover it’s you. We discuss it in our blog.
