Computer-Related Crimes

With nearly everyone owning a computer or smartphone, conducting numerous financial transactions via the internet, and spending much of their day online, computer-related crimes have become a prominent focus for law enforcement and prosecutors. Cybercrime cases frequently involve complex evidence and legal issues.

When facing the resources of federal law enforcement agencies and the Department of Justice, having highly skilled and knowledgeable legal representation can make a difference in the outcome of your case. Turn to Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan for help. We understand the fear and stress you may be experiencing, and our attorneys will work tirelessly to provide the personalized attention and thorough legal representation you need and deserve. 

Types of Federal Cybercrime Charges We Handle

At Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan, our criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience representing clients facing federal prosecution for computer-related crimes, such as:

• Hacking, including conducting denial-of-service attacks, data theft, or installing viruses or ransomware on victims’ computer systems
• Phishing schemes, in which an offender gains a person’s trust through fake emails, text messages, or phone calls to convince the person to provide confidential information like Social Security numbers or passwords
• Email scams, such as sweepstakes and lottery scams or “Nigerian prince” scams
• Identity theft and fraud
• Cyberstalking or cyberharassment
• Wire and bank fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Distribution of child pornography

Cybercrimes can involve highly technical and complex evidence and legal issues. Federal prosecutors have extensive resources to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes. When you face charges for computer-related offenses, you need experienced, well-resourced legal representation that can level the playing field and help you pursue an effective defense strategy. 

Consequences of a Conviction on Cybercrime Charges

Convictions for cybercrimes under federal law can carry severe penalties. Depending on the type of offense, maximum sentences for a computer-related crime can range from five years to decades in prison. Courts can also impose fines of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for a cybercrime conviction. Defendants convicted of cybercrimes may also receive restitution obligations as part of their sentences, requiring them to reimburse their victims for financial losses due to the defendant’s crime. 

Some cybercrimes have other collateral consequences from a conviction. For example, a defendant convicted of distributing child pornography may have to register as a sex offender in the state in which they live; registration obligations can last for years or a lifetime. 

Finally, a federal cybercrime conviction will leave a defendant with a criminal record that can make returning to society after serving a criminal sentence challenging. The stigma of a criminal conviction can have negative consequences for an offender’s efforts to pursue employment, housing, educational, and financial opportunities.

Because the consequences of a cybercrime conviction can become severe and long-lasting, you need experienced legal counsel and advocacy to help you secure the best possible resolution under the facts of your case.

Defense Strategies in Cybercrime Cases

When preparing to face prosecution for cybercrimes, you may have various defense strategies you and your lawyer can pursue to fight the prosecution’s case and obtain a favorable outcome, such as a reduction or dismissal of your charges or an acquittal at trial. Potential defenses our team may use in cases involving computer-related criminal charges include:

• Mistaken Identity – We may argue that you did not commit the alleged cybercrime and that another individual used your computer or IP address to commit the offense.
• Lack of Intent – We may contend that the evidence does not prove that you acted with the mental culpability required under the statute, such as intentional, willful, or knowing conduct.
• Consent – In many cybercrime cases, we may assert that you had the alleged victim’s consent to access their computer systems or use their personal or financial information. 
• Unlawful Search or Seizure of Evidence – We may challenge the admissibility of evidence in the government’s case by arguing that federal investigators obtained it through an unlawful search conducted without a warrant or probable cause and exigent circumstances.

Our legal team will review the facts of your case to determine which defense strategies are most appropriate to your situation.

How Can Our Firm Help You Face Computer-Related Criminal Charges

An arrest and conviction for cybercrimes can significantly affect your reputation, freedom, and future. Don’t leave the outcome of your case to chance. Hiring the right legal representation can make a difference in resolving your charges. Let the legal team at Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan advocate for your rights and interests by:

• Independently investigating your cybercrime charges to recover evidence beyond that obtained by investigators and prosecutors to build a compelling defense
• Evaluating your legal options, including potential defenses we can pursue to fight the government’s case
• Working with technical experts as needed to review and understand the evidence
• Explaining your charges and the possible outcomes to you to help you make informed decisions for your best interests
• Preparing you for what to expect at each stage of your criminal case
• Pursuing every avenue to challenge the government’s case, including filing motions to exclude unlawfully obtained or inadmissible evidence or to dismiss your indictment due to a lack of sufficient evidence to bring you to trial
• Fighting for your reputation and future in court if you choose to contest your charges or assert your innocence at trial 

Case Results

Felony Fraud

Defendant Found Not Guilty

Case Results

Child Pornography

Defendant Found Not Guilty

Case Results

Wire Fraud

Defendant Found Not Guilty

Case Results

Drug Trafficking

Defendant charged with possessing 100 kilograms of cocaine.
DEFENDANT FOUND: NOT GUILTY

Case Results

RICO Conspiracy

Defendant Found Not Guilty

Case Results

Felon in Possession of Firearm 924C

Defendant Found Not Guilty

Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Cybercrimes Charges

If you face federal cybercrime charges, you need knowledgeable and aggressive legal representation from a team with experience fighting for its clients in the federal criminal justice system. Contact Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan today for a confidential consultation with our legal team to discuss your options for seeking a fair and favorable outcome to your charges.

Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan, based in Detroit, also assists clients with criminal defense in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Flint, and all of Michigan.