Analyzing the penalties that come with cyber crime convictions

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 8-Oct-2014

The penalties associated with cyber crime convictions can vary depending on the type of crime someone was accused of committing and the state they live in. For example, cyber crime convictions in Dallas and throughout Texas sometimes carry different penalties than convictions in other states.

The Texas Constitution and Statutes lists a number of internet crimes, including breach of computer security, online solicitation of a minor and online impersonation. Furthermore, the consequences of these convictions depend on the severity of the crime. Some breach of computer security crimes are considered Class B misdemeanors in Texas if the defendant did not have two or more previous convictions and they did not target a governmental or critical infrastructure facility. On the other hand, cases which involve more than $200,000 in damage are treated as first-degree felonies.

The Connecticut General Assembly also published information on their site which provides a look at how internet crimes are punished in the state. For example, being convicted of a fifth-degree computer crime (less than $500 in damage) could result in up to six months behind bars and a $1,000 fine, whereas a first-degree crime conviction (more than $10,000 in damage) could lead to as much as 20 years in prison and carry a $15,000 fine.

From computer fraud to copyright infringement and cyber bullying, internet crimes take many forms. When someone is accused of committing one of these crimes, it is important for them to closely evaluate their options and fully understand the position they are in.