When a crime involves a computer or the internet in Greeley or Weld County, it is seen as a Computer Crime. Below, Greeley’s best Cybercrime attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office will talk about Computer Crimes, also known as Cybercrime in Greeley. There are a variety of criminal offenses under the heading Computer Crimes, and it is important to have a criminal attorney who has a broad knowledge of the Weld County Courts to lead you through a strategic plan for your case.
Legal Definition of a Computer Crime, C.R.S. 18-5.5-102, in Weld County, Colorado
The definition of a Computer Crime, C.R.S. 18-5.5-102, in Weld County, Colorado is:
A person commits Cyber or Computer Crime if the person knowingly:
Accesses a computer, computer network, or computer system or any part thereof without authorization; exceeds authorized access to a computer, computer network, or computer system or any part thereof; or uses a computer, computer network, or computer system or any part thereof without authorization or in excess of authorized access; or
(b) Accesses any computer, computer network, or computer system, or any part thereof for the purpose of devising or executing any scheme or artifice to defraud; or
(c) Accesses any computer, computer network, or computer system, or any part thereof to obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, money; property; services; passwords or similar information through which a computer, computer network, or computer system or any part thereof may be accessed; or other thing of value; or
(d) Accesses any computer, computer network, or computer system, or any part thereof to commit theft; or
(e) Without authorization or in excess of authorized access alters, damages, interrupts, or causes the interruption or impairment of the proper functioning of, or causes any damage to, any computer, computer network, computer system, computer software, program, application, documentation, or data contained in such computer, computer network, or computer system or any part thereof; or
(f) Causes the transmission of a computer program, software, information, code, data, or command by means of a computer, computer network, or computer system or any part thereof with the intent to cause damage to or to cause the interruption or impairment of the proper functioning of or that actually causes damage to or the interruption or impairment of the proper functioning of any computer, computer network, computer system, or part thereof; or
(g) Uses or causes to be used a software application that runs automated tasks over the internet to access a computer, computer network, or computer system, or any part thereof, that circumvents or disables any electronic queues, waiting periods, or other technological measure intended by the seller to limit the number of event tickets that may be purchased by any single person in an online event ticket sale as defined in section 6-1-720, C.R.S.
Common Types of Cybercrime in Weld County
Examples of Computer Crimes in Weld County are:
- Identity Theft
- Committing theft using a computer
- Phishing or Hacking
- Using a computer to commit fraud
- Transmitting software, data, information, or code that can cause damage a network or its contents which is also known as circulating malware or viruses
- Without permission, using or accessing a computer, system, or network, even if it is a friend’s Snapchat account via their unlocked phone or computer
- Changing records such as performance reports, work records, or school grades
Phone and tablets are also considered a computer when a Computer Crime or Cybercrime is being charged. This is because a smart phone can do nearly everything that a computer can do.
Penalties and Sentence for Computer Crimes in Windsor, Colorado
The sentence and penalties for a Computer Crime in Windsor, Colorado, depend on whether accessing a computer was done to cause theft and damage. For simply accessing a computer without permission, the sentence is a class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense. If it is a 2nd conviction for accessing a computer, then the sentence is for a class 6 felony. The penalties for a class 6 felony include 12-18 months in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. However, if the Cybercrime in Greeley is theft or property damage, the level of the crime is determined by the value of what was stolen or damaged. For instance, if the value of theft or damages was under $300, then it is a Petty Offense with penalties of up to 10 days in the Weld County Jail and / or $300 in fines. The most severe sentence occur if the damage is more than $1,000,000. In this case, the sentence is a class 2 felony with penalties of 8 to 24 years in prison and fines of $5,000 to $1,000,000.
Why Hire a Top Weld County Cybercrime Attorney?
A person’s life, career, and freedom are at stake when they face a Computer / Cybercrime charge. Having a top Weld County attorney on your side will get you the best outcome. Our attorneys have defended many Computer Crime or Cybercrime cases, and understand how to navigate this complicated area of law.