San Diego Internet Crime Lawyer

Many individual behaviors may be charged under the internet crimes category, making it difficult to avoid every illegal behavior while online. Many people will also admit to a common one, such as unlawful downloading or piracy, as they feel that it doesn’t cause significant harm to the individuals they impact. However, all internet crimes can cause unintended and irreversible damage to people, including those not immediately involved in online interactions or transactions.

Internet crimes involve several actions punishable with fines, jail time, and other consequences. Some include online gambling, hacking, identity theft, solicitation, and online credit card fraud. If you want more information about other actions that may constitute an internet crime or to retain help and legal representation, please contact Bernal Law. Pedro Bernal has supported clients with his excellent experience, including serving as a Deputy District Attorney in the San Diego District Attorney’s Office.

What Counts as an Internet Crime?

Internet and computer crimes in California may include several crimes, including the following:

• Anything involving child pornography
• Hacking
• Online solicitation 
• Piracy or illegal downloading
• Identity theft
• Credit or debit card fraud
• Gambling online
• Pharmacy fraud via the internet
• Intellectual property theft

Other behaviors may also lead to accusations of an internet crime, so it’s important to contact Bernal Law for assistance if you are confused or need further insight. We can analyze the circumstances, determine your likelihood of conviction, and decrease the potential penalties you will face.

A Breakdown of California Penal Code 502

Essentially, California Penal Code 502 works with:

“[T]he intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to expand the degree of protection afforded to individuals, businesses, and governmental agencies from tampering, interference, damage, and unauthorized access to lawfully created computer data and computer systems.” 

Privacy is essential to the working of this law, and the code aims to reduce the destruction and misuse of data. Whether the data is personal, belongs to a business, or is part of a government entity, accessing the information can cause significant harm. Even when the damage is not intended, this law examines the effects of unauthorized access to these materials.

You may break this penal code and receive charges for an internet crime if you manage to do the following to data without authorized access:

• Change or alter
• Copy
• Destroy
• Utilize to execute
• Control or obtain
• Delete
• Take
• Disrupt

The code is extensive and covers several potential crimes, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need more information. Bernal Law will be able to answer your questions about the law as they pertain to your legal circumstances and would be happy to provide valuable support and information.

Defenses and Arguments for Internet Crimes

Depending on the supposed actions, severity, and other circumstances, an assortment of defenses for internet crimes may apply to your charges. Other defenses may also apply to your case.

Good Faith in Believing Age

Regarding actions that would be illegal with minor involvement, you may argue there was good reason to believe someone was of legal age. If you made a good effort to receive confirmation for age, the minor spoke with maturity, and the child presented believable but falsified evidence, for example, you might argue you were misled.

Entrapment by Police or Law Enforcement

Coercion and harassment by a law enforcement officer is not a legal way to prove someone is worthy of conviction, whether the crime is online or otherwise. If a police officer approaches you online and encourages you to participate in criminal behavior, this may be a helpful defense for your case.

Mistaken Identity

There may be a case where someone has stolen your identity, miscasting you as someone who has participated in criminal behavior. This argument may be a strong defense if you have been wrongfully accused and want to demonstrate your innocence.

Who Should You Work With an Internet Crime Defense Lawyer?

Managing legal matters can be complicated, but a San Diego internet crimes defense attorney who is equipped to assist with your internet crimes charge will be able to support you in several ways, including the following:

• Lending valuable legal knowledge
• Utilizing negotiation skills and tactics
• Speaking on your behalf
• Communicating with other parties and legal representatives
• Managing your legal schedule
• Collecting and analyzing evidence
• Joining or leading investigations
• Protecting your privacy with the attorney-client relationship
• Establishing strong defenses in your favor
• Determining next steps tailored to your needs and circumstances

An internet crimes defense attorney from Bernal Law can help you in many additional ways throughout the legal process, so we encourage you to contact us at your earliest convenience. When you work with us, you are far more likely to avoid unnecessary adverse effects associated with self-representation. By working together, you can prevent undue stress, lengthy litigation, increased penalties, and much more.

Retain Bernal Law’s Internet Crime Defense Lawyer in San Diego for Great Support and Outstanding Results

If you have been accused of an internet crime, you don’t have to manage legal matters alone. When you retain support from Bernal Law, you are far more likely to receive outstanding results and reduced penalties. San Diego internet crimes defense attorney Pedro Bernal was a former prosecutor for almost a decade, so he knows how the other side works and the strategies they use. He’s also fluent in English and Spanish, so you can feel comfortable communicating your questions and concerns.

We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to discuss your matters. Our clients trust us to understand their needs, answer their questions, and provide resources and tools that can benefit you in several ways. You can reach out to us by calling (619) 736-9092 or completing our contact form at your earliest convenience.