New Jersey Internet Crimes Lawyers

Fighting Accusations of Online Offenses

If you use the internet to engage in activity that is considered criminal, the State of New Jersey will prosecute you to the full extent of the law. Being found guilty of a cyber crime offense can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and/or fines. You'll also have a criminal record, which means that when you apply for a job, housing, or even financial aid for college, the institution will see that information when they run a background check on you.

At Roberts & Teeter, LLC, our New Jersey internet crimes lawyers have nearly 20 years of combined experience working in the criminal justice system. We understand how best to navigate of the legal process, and we will leverage our knowledge and skills to fight your charges. Our team is not afraid to take on complex cases or go up against difficult opponents. Our focus will be on protecting your rights and minimizing the effects of a criminal charge on your life.

Facing internet crime charges in New Jersey? Contact us at (732) 607-5553 for a free consultation and let our experienced lawyers protect your rights.

What Is an Internet Crime?

An Internet crime is an offense committed online – whether a network was used to commit the offense or the actual crime was committed on the Internet. Nowadays, the Internet is used for practically everything, which means there are numerous types of crimes that can be committed. Although these crimes are different, they will all be aggressively pursued by New Jersey prosecutors.

A few examples of Internet crimes include:

• Fraud: This occurs when a person uses deceit to obtain some kind of gain off of someone else. For instance, if an individual goes online to sign up for government benefits, and they knowingly use false information to get them, they could be accused of an Internet offense.
• Child pornography: If the person uses the Internet to download or distribute images of children engaged in unlawful sexual conduct, they are breaking the law.
• Ransomware attacks: A ransomware attack is when a person unlawfully gains access to another individual's computer system or network and decrypts their information. The attacker says they will provide the decryption key when the individual pays them a ransom.
• Identity theft: As a greater number of transactions are being conducted through the Internet, more and more personal identifying information is online. If a person steals someone else's information – be it there name, address, date of birth, Social Security Number – they could be charged with identity theft.
• Phishing: This offense involves an individual sending emails that are purported to be from a legitimate company to trick the receiver into providing confidential information.

What Are the Penalties for an Internet Crime?

Because Internet crimes are not just one offense but can involve various types of conduct, there isn't just one type of penalty a person can face. The exact punishments for a conviction depend on the type of offense committed and the specifics of the circumstances. Prior criminal convictions can also increase the severity of the penalties you may face.

For instance, in New Jersey, it's a third-degree offense to knowingly possess less than 1,000 depictions of a child engaged in a sexual act. If the offense involves at least 1,000 but less than 100,000 images, it becomes a second-degree crime. The possession of 100,000 or more depictions is a first-degree crime.

Common Internet Crimes in New Jersey

Internet crimes are becoming more common as people rely on technology for various activities. New Jersey prosecutors aggressively pursue these offenses, which can lead to severe consequences. Below are some common internet crimes:

• Hacking: Unauthorized access to a computer system or data is illegal. Whether it’s accessing personal accounts, databases, or government systems, hacking can result in serious criminal charges, including fines and imprisonment.
• Online Harassment: Cyberbullying, threats, or harassment through online platforms can lead to criminal charges. In New Jersey, this may include sending harmful messages or spreading false information with the intent to harm someone’s reputation.
• Online Drug Sales: Selling or distributing drugs via the internet is a serious offense. This includes using online marketplaces or social media to promote and sell illegal substances. Convictions can result in significant prison time and hefty fines.
• Piracy and Copyright Infringement: Downloading or sharing copyrighted material without authorization, such as movies, music, and software, is illegal. Even if done without profit, this can lead to criminal penalties.
• Cyberstalking: Using the internet to stalk or threaten someone can lead to criminal charges. This includes monitoring someone’s online activity, sending persistent unwanted messages, or making threats.

How Internet Crimes Are Investigated

Investigating internet crimes requires specialized tools and techniques. Law enforcement agencies use the following methods to track down criminals:

• Digital Forensics: Law enforcement professionals use digital forensics to examine devices, hard drives, and cloud storage for evidence. They recover deleted files, track internet activity, and find hidden data that can be used to prove a crime.
• IP Tracing and Geolocation: Internet Protocol (IP) tracing helps authorities locate where a crime took place. By analyzing the IP address, they can identify the geographical location and sometimes even the individual responsible for the crime.
• Social Media and Internet Surveillance: Authorities often monitor social media platforms and online activities to prevent cybercrimes. They look for signs of illegal activity, such as drug trafficking, threats, or illegal content sharing.

How to Defend Yourself Against Internet Crime Charges

If you're accused of committing an internet crime, it’s essential to understand your rights and potential defenses:

• Challenging Evidence: In many cases, evidence like IP addresses can be challenged. It may be difficult to definitively link a person to an IP address or device, especially if someone else had access to it.
• Mistaken Identity and False Accusations: Many internet crimes, such as hacking or fraud, can be committed by individuals who conceal their identity. If you’re mistakenly identified, your defense attorney can work to prove that you were not the one responsible for the crime.
• Unlawful Search and Seizure: Authorities must follow legal protocols when gathering digital evidence. If they conduct a search without a warrant or seize your devices illegally, the evidence could be inadmissible in court.
• Lack of Intent: In some cases, an individual may not have intended to commit a crime. If you can prove that you were unaware of the criminal nature of your actions or didn’t intend to break the law, it may reduce your charges or penalties.

Understanding how internet crimes are investigated and how to defend yourself can make a significant difference in your case. If you’ve been accused of an internet crime in New Jersey, consulting with an experienced attorney is critical.

How Can I Fight My Charges?

If you've been accused of an Internet crime in New Jersey, reach out to Roberts & Teeter, LLC as soon as possible. The quicker we get on the case, the more time we'll have to start building a strategy for your specific situation. From the beginning of your case until its conclusion, our New Jersey attorneys will be by your side, providing sound guidance and regular updates. If you've been accused of an Internet crime, act quickly to retain legal representation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Internet Crimes in New Jersey

Can I be charged with an internet crime if I didn’t know I was breaking the law? 

• Yes, even if you didn’t know you were committing a crime, you can still face charges. However, in some cases, lack of knowledge or intent can be used as part of your defense. Your attorney can help assess whether this is a viable defense for your case.

Can I face internet crime charges for simply viewing illegal content? 

• Yes, in New Jersey, simply viewing or downloading illegal content, such as child pornography or pirated material, can lead to criminal charges. It’s essential to avoid accessing or sharing such material online.

What are the potential penalties for internet crime convictions in New Jersey? 

• Penalties for internet crimes vary depending on the offense. They can range from fines and probation to years in prison. Some offenses, like child pornography or online fraud, carry particularly harsh penalties.

How do law enforcement track down online criminals? 

• Law enforcement uses various methods such as IP tracing, digital forensics, and monitoring social media to track and identify online criminals. They can analyze internet traffic, email exchanges, and online activities to gather evidence.

Can I be charged for a cybercrime if I was only a part of a group? 

• Yes, you can still be charged for participating in an internet crime, even if you weren’t the main perpetrator. New Jersey laws hold individuals accountable for their involvement in a criminal activity, whether direct or indirect.

What should I do if I’m falsely accused of an internet crime? 

• If you’re falsely accused of an internet crime, it’s important to contact an attorney immediately. Your attorney will help investigate the situation, gather evidence, and protect your rights. Mistaken identity or false claims are common in these cases and can be disproven with the right legal strategy.

Can internet crime charges be expunged from my record in New Jersey? 

• In certain circumstances, you may be able to expunge your internet crime conviction from your criminal record. However, this depends on factors such as the type of offense, whether you were convicted, and if you’ve completed your sentence. An experienced lawyer can advise you on the expungement process.

Accused of an online offense? Don’t wait—contact us today at (732) 607-5553 and start building your defense with the help of skilled legal professionals.