Computer Crimes
Internet crimes, also known as computer crimes, vary widely in the state of Utah. They can range from sex crimes to drug offenses to financial crimes. Cybercrimes are taken very seriously, especially if they involve victimized children or the elderly. In fact, the Utah Attorney General has established a task force to help prosecute potential offenders.
Being charged with an internet crime, such as possession of child pornography or cyberstalking, comes with harsh consequences. If convicted, the individual will have to face steep fines and incarceration. The conviction can also ruin the person’s reputation and cause them to lose their employment or professional license.
The stakes are high so the best way to fight against being convicted of a computer crime is to secure experienced legal representation. Contact Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law today.
Salt Lake City Computer Crimes Lawyer
If you or someone you know was charged with a crime that involved the Internet, it’s important you secure legal representation as soon as possible. This is especially true if the crime victimized children such as child pornography or luring a minor online. If convicted of a computer crime in Utah, you could spend significant time incarcerated. Do not wait to act. Contact Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law for experienced legal counsel.
Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law accepts cases throughout Salt Lake City, and in the surrounding areas of Toole County, Weber County, Summit County, Davis County, and Utah County, UT. To schedule a free, no obligation consultation with Utah criminal defense attorney Susanne Gustin, call (801) 243-2814. Susanne is known for being a zealous advocate for the rights of individuals accused of computer crimes.
Information Center
- Common Types of Cyber Crimes in Utah
- Internet and Cyber Crime Penalties in Utah
- Additional Resources for Cyber Crimes
Common Types of Cyber Crimes in Utah
Cybercrimes, also called computer crimes, describe a broad category of offenses. It includes general fraudulent schemes like identity theft and certain sex offenses such as child pornography. Per Utah Code §76-5b-201: a person can be charged with a child pornography offense if they sexually exploit a minor. This applies if he or she:
- Knowingly produces, possesses, or possesses with intent to distribute child pornography; or
- Intentionally distributes or views child pornography; or
- If the individual is a minor’s parent or legal guardian and knowingly consents the minor to be sexually exploited
According to Utah Code, a person is guilty of identity fraud when that person knowingly or intentionally uses the personal identifying information of another person, whether that person is alive or deceased. They must also possess the information with fraudulent intent which can include the attempt to obtain goods, credit, services, employment or anything of value including medical information.
Identity fraud is a third-degree felony if the value of the credit, goods, services, employment, or any other thing of value is less than $5,000; or a second-degree felony if the value of the credit, goods, services, employment, or any other thing of value is or exceeds $5,000.
Some of the most commonly prosecuted computer crimes include:
- Fraud
- Hacking
- Credit card fraud
- Hacking
- Cyberbullying
- Terrorism
- Intrusion
- Malware
- Spear phishing
- Data ex-filtation
- Enticing a minor over the Internet
Internet and Cyber Crime Penalties in Utah
In the state of Utah, many computer crimes are charged as federal felonies. Felonies are considered a higher offense classification and carry serious consequences. They are divided into different levels of offense based on if aggravating factors existed during the commission of the offense.
First degree felonies are punishable by 5 years to life in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Second degree felonies are punishable by 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Third degree felonies are punishable by 0-5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
Some of the most common cybercrimes and their penalties include:
- Sexual Exploitation of a Minor – Second degree felony.
- Identity Fraud – Third degree felony if the value of the credit, goods, services, employment, or any other thing of value is less than $5,000. It is a second degree felony if the value of the credit, goods, services, employment, or any other thing of value is or exceeds $5,000.
- Credit Card Fraud – Third degree felony for obtaining property valued between $500 and $1,500. It is enhanced to a second degree felony if the property value exceeds $5,000.
Additional Resources for Cyber Crimes
FBI – The Cyber Threat: The Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI) is the lead federal agency for investigating cyber-attacks and intrusions. Visit the website to learn more about cyber threats, what you can do to protect yourself from cyber criminals and how to report cybercrime. You can also learn about the Bureau’s efforts in combating the evolving cyber threat.
Utah Code – Child Pornography Offense: Click the link to view Chapter 5b which constitutes the sexual exploitation act. Section 201 lists sexual exploitation of a minor, elements, and penalties. The webpage also describes defenses for the offense.
Utah Department of Safety – Cyber Security: Visit the Utah Department of Safety website to view cyber resources. The webpage lists answers to frequently asked questions such as “what can I do to stay secure online?” and “I am a victim of a cyber crime, where do I report it?”
Utah Computer Crimes Attorney | Salt Lake County Cybercrime Lawyer
If you have been accused of a computer crime, the time to act is now. Utah law carries harsh penalties for those convicted, so finding the proper defense strategy is important. Susanne Gustin is a defense attorney with years of experience in helping those charged with Internet crimes.
In addition to serving Utah residents, Susanne Gustin proudly represents individuals and families in Salt Lake County, Davis County, Midvale, Riverton, Taylorsville, Clearfield, Layton, and neighboring areas. Susanne Gustin Attorney at Law offers initial consultations for individuals interested in discussing the details of their computer crimes case in order to discuss defense options. Your first consultation is free of charge, so call now at (801) 243-2814.