Depending on the type of cybercrime committed, individuals could face fourth, third, or first-degree crime penalties. If you are facing cybercrime charges, it is important that you retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney who will protect your rights in court. Continue reading to learn the penalties for cybercrime in New Jersey. Contact our firm if you have any additional questions regarding charges such as these. To learn more about our services and how we can assist you, scheduled your initial consultation today.
What are the different types of cybercrime?
- Wrongful Access: Knowingly accessing any data, computer, computer storage medium, computer equipment, computer system, or software without authorization to knowingly disclose any data, software, or personal identifying information.
- Wrongful access is a third-degree crime that can be upgraded to a second-degree offense in the case that the disclosed data or info was protected by the law, rule of court, or court order
- Cyberstalking: Cyber harassment is a crime of the fourth degree. Purposefully engaging in a court of conduct directed at a specific person causing fear by engaging in visual or physical proximity to the victim on at least two occasions. Cyberstalking can carry the potential for a $10,000 fine and up to 18 months in jail in New Jersey.
- This can include calling, writing, or confronting the victim in person by conveying threats
- Internet Sex Crimes: Looking at, downloading, or distributing child pornography. Depending on several factors, the penalties of internet sex crimes can vary from third, second, and third-degree offenses. Child pornography can be a federal offense.
- Identity Theft: Identity theft crimes are felony offenses. The following are all examples of identity theft:
- Impersonating someone else for their benefit or to injure or defraud another
- Impersonating someone or assuming a false identity to avoid payment for prior services
- Obtaining identifying information with the purpose of assuming their identity to fraudulently avoid payment of a debt, avoid prosecution for a crime, or obtain a benefit
- Pretending to be a representative of a person or organization to benefit, injure, or defraud another person
- Impersonating someone else to obtain a benefit, injure, or defraud another
- Credit Card Fraud: New Jersey law categorizes credit card fraud as either a third-degree or fourth-degree felony-level offense. The following are examples of credit card fraud:
- Credit card theft
- Receiving anything of value as a result of credit card fraud
- Making a false statement to obtain a credit card
- Using or accepting payment from a credit card knowing it was revoked, expired, or forged
- Fraudulent use of a credit card
- Signing a credit card without authorization
- Counterfeiting a credit card, selling or buying a credit card from anyone other than the issuer
- Receiving a lost credit card
- Using a credit card to secure a debt
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
When someone is charged with a crime, they have a lot to consider. However, we understand that everyone makes mistakes, which is why we are here to help. No matter your circumstances, if you are facing criminal charges, contact the Law Offices of Michael A. Policastro today for the experienced legal counsel you deserve and need.