Combatting Philadelphia Cyber Crime Accusations with an Attorney

Combatting Philadelphia Cyber Crime Accusations with an Attorney

Getting accused of a cyber crime can be really scary. You may feel anxious, angry, or confused. It’s important to remember that you have rights, and the situation is not hopeless. Having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side can make all the difference. This article will walk through some basics about cyber crime accusations in Philadelphia, and how an attorney can help.

First off—what counts as a cyber crime? Cyber crimes use the internet or network connections to commit illegal activities. Some common accusations include:

• Cyberbullying or harassment, like sending threatening messages[1]
• Hacking into someone’s online accounts[2]
• Identity theft, like stealing personal info to open credit cards[3]
• Child pornography crimes[4]
• Online scams that steal money[5]

Philadelphia has seen a rise in these types of cyber accusations. With more people online, there are unfortunately more chances for criminal activity.

If you’re accused of a cyber crime, it can feel overwhelming. You may wonder, “What’s going to happen to me? Could I go to jail? Will this ruin my life?”

While the situation is serious, the good news is you have rights under the law. An experienced Philadelphia defense attorney can help protect your rights, and build the strongest case for your best outcome.

Here are some ways a knowledgeable lawyer can help if you’re facing cyber crime accusations:

Examine the Evidence Closely

Cyber crimes often involve technical evidence like computer records, online posts, IP addresses, etc. An attorney experienced in cyber crime cases will meticulously examine all the evidence. They can identify any holes or inconsistencies that show your innocence.

For example, if you’re accused of threatening posts, but the IP address is from a different state—that’s a major inconsistency. A lawyer can insist investigators look closer, and get inaccurate charges dropped.

Challenge How Evidence Was Obtained

How did law enforcement collect the evidence against you? Was your privacy violated? Did police follow proper protocol?

An attorney will determine whether evidence was obtained legally. If not, the lawyer can file a motion to suppress the evidence so it cannot be used against you.

This protects your rights against unreasonable searches and privacy violations. Improperly obtained evidence could get a whole case dismissed.

Negotiate Lesser Charges or Penalties

Often the initial charges sound frightening, like decades behind bars. But an experienced lawyer will negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or penalties.

They may be able to get charges lowered to misdemeanors rather than felonies. Or get serious jail time taken off the table, so you only pay fines or do probation.

An attorney knows how to strategically negotiate so you get the least amount of punishment possible. Way better than just pleading guilty and getting the maximum!

Develop Your Strongest Defense

Every case is different, so your lawyer will craft a defense based on the unique details. For example:

• You were out of town – If a post came from your IP address, but you weren’t home that day, you have an alibi.
• Someone else used your device – If you let a friend borrow your laptop when threats were sent, you may not be responsible.
• You were exercising free speech – If charged with harassment for an angry post, your lawyer can argue it’s free expression protected by the First Amendment.
• The victim is lying – In some cases, alleged victims fabricate cyber crimes out of spite or for attention. Your lawyer can present evidence proving their dishonesty.

A good attorney will find and develop the best defense for your specific circumstances.

Fight for Diversion Programs

First-time or juvenile offenders may be eligible for diversion programs. These allow you to avoid conviction by completing classes, community service, etc.

A lawyer can advocate for you to get into a diversion program. This leaves you without a criminal record, which is the best possible outcome.

Diversion is much better than jail time or heavy fines. An experienced attorney knows how to negotiate this resolution.

Explain the Consequences and Your Options

If you’re confused and scared about what will happen, your lawyer will educate you. They’ll explain in everyday language:

• What the charges and penalties could be
• What a conviction on your record could mean
• Realistic outcomes to expect
• Available defenses that could help you
• Different options like negotiating a plea deal or going to trial

Knowing exactly what you’re facing helps you make informed choices. Your lawyer will walk you through each option, so you understand the pros and cons.

Having an experienced guide makes the whole process far less frightening. You’ll know what to expect each step of the way.

Advocate for Your Best Interests

Most importantly, your lawyer is YOUR advocate. Their job is to represent your best interests at every stage.

Prosecutors, judges, and investigators are not on your side. They act for the state.

Your attorney levels the playing field and gives you a strong voice. They demand your rights are protected, insist the evidence is examined closely, and fight for the best possible outcome for you.

With a knowledgeable lawyer, you don’t have to face cyber crime accusations alone. You have an expert who knows the system and will battle for you.