What is a Cybercrime in Weld County?
Felony or Misdemeanor Weld County Computer and Cyber Crimes

Are you facing a Misdemeanor or Felony Cyber or Computer Crime in Weld County? Any criminal act that involves a computer or the internet can be charged as a Cyber Crime. Depending on the act involved, you could face a misdemeanor or felony. The criminal defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office know how to work with Weld County Courts for your benefit. Let us help you by discussing more about Cybercrimes or calling us to get help on your case.

Legal Definition of Cybercrimes, C.R.S. 18-5.5-102, in Colorado

In Colorado, the legal definition of a Cybercrime, C.R.S. 18-5.5-102, 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.

What Can Be Considered a Computer Crime in Greeley, Colorado?

A Computer Crime in Greeley can be many different things. Some conduct that could be charged are:

  • Logging onto a person’s social media account without their permission.
  • Using a person’s computer or network without their permission.
  • Sending or creating malware or viruses to damage a system or network.
  • Using a computer to steal another person’s identification.
  • Phishing or hacking another person or systems information.
  • Soliciting or engaging a minor on a computer for prostitution.

It is important to note that while these examples are all Computer Crimes, they can also be other criminal charges such as Identity Theft, C.R.S. 18-5-902, or Internet Luring, C.R.S. 18-3-306.

What is a Computer Device for Cyber Crimes in Weld County?

Many electronic devices are considered computers under Cyber crimes law. This criminal statue is very broad and all computers, laptops, phones, tablets, computer systems or networks, software, and programs are considered devices that fall under the statute. While a bit surprising, its good to know that smart phones are now considered computers – even using someone’s phone without their permission could have you facing a Cyber or Computer criminal charge.

What Are the Punishments of a Computer Crime Conviction in Windsor, Johnstown, and Milliken, Colorado?

If you are convicted of a Computer Crime in Windsor, Johnstown, Milliken or across Colorado, the penalties depend on the dollar value of the victim’s loss for the crime that was committed. When there was damage or theft and the value is less than $300, then it is a petty offense, and the penalties are up to 10 days in the Weld County Jail and up to $300 fine. At the other extreme, when the value of the damaged or lost goods is $1,000,000 or more, the most severe sentence is a class 2 felony with penalties of 8 to 24 years in Colorado State Prison and $5,000 to $1,000,000.

Hire an Affordable Cybercrime Weld County Attorney

There are many different facets to a Cybercrime case in Weld County, and you need someone to help you understand your options and to build your defense.  The attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office have over 30 years of knowledge in defending Cybercrime cases. Jail or prison and hefty fines can many implications on a person’s life, job, and future. Hiring an affordable lawyer who understands the complicated Computer Crime laws is the best thing you can do for your case.

If you or a loved one have been accused of a Cybercrime or Computer Crime and are headed to the Weld County Courthouse, remain silent. Do not talk to the Greeley Police or Weld County Sheriff, who are building a case against you. They are not your friend.  Call 970-616-6009 to meet with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Weld County. Together, we can protect your future.

The location of the Weld County Courthouse is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there.

Photo by Eduardo Dutra