The growth of Internet-based commerce and banking has created a new type of criminal activity, often referred to as “cybercrime.” These crimes are often financially motivated and involve property and theft offenses, but can also involve harassment, conspiring to commit crimes with others, offenses related to child pornography, sex offenses, and others. As these crimes have become more prevalent in recent years, enforcement efforts have increased, often resulting in excessive or unsubstantiated allegations against people who are innocent of any wrongdoing.
A recent incident in the Boston suburb of Marshfield, Massachusetts highlights the way that cybercrime can affect a community and the significant efforts undertaken by law enforcement to combat it. According to a report published at Myfoxboston.com, Rockland Trust Bank, which holds the town’s bank account, realized that there was $30,000 missing from the account and alerted the town. Reports indicate that bank officials and law enforcement are unclear as to how the incident happened, but that it may have been the result of a phishing scam in which an individual with access to the account was tricked into providing login credentials
Cybercrime Can Result in Significant Legal Penalties
As computer-related crimes become more and more prevalent, law enforcement will develop new techniques to monitor and catch people attempting to perpetrate them. Unfortunately, this type of enforcement effort can also ensnare people who are innocent of any wrongdoing but happened to simply click the wrong link at the wrong time or engaged in a hypothetical conversation in a forum.
These types of crimes have the potential to result in serious legal penalties, many of which can affect a person for years. For this reason, it is extremely important for anyone accused of a crime related to the use of a computer or the Internet to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Some of the consequences associated with a conviction could include the following:
Probation
Fines
Mandatory registration as a sex offender
Jail time
Fortunately for people who are accused of these kinds of crimes, there are several defenses that could potentially be raised. The exact defenses that are available in your case, if any, will depend largely on the specific circumstances of your case. For this reason, it is critical to meet with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your case is brought to the best outcome possible.
Contact a Boston Criminal Defense Attorney Today
People who have been accused of financially-motivated crimes involving the Internet should retain an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. A conviction could have a significant impact on the quality of your life and may even result in the loss of your freedom. Boston criminal defense lawyer Edward R. Molari is committed to protecting the legal rights of people accused of a variety of crimes, including DUI, violent crimes, property and theft offenses, and crimes involving weapons. To schedule a consultation with Mr. Molari, call our office today at 617-942-1532.