In Larimer County, any criminal act that involves a computer or the internet can result in misdemeanor or even felony Cybercrime charges. Cybercrime is a complex crime, and can be charged for any one of several different actions. Hacking, phishing, or using the dark web for criminal activity can all lead to being charged with Cybercrime. However, even just using another person’s social media account without authorization can also result in being charged with this offense. If you or a loved one has been charged with Cybercrime, it is imperative that you contact a top Larimer County criminal defense lawyer to defend you from these charges as soon as possible.
What is Cybercrime, C.R.S. 18-5.5-102, in Larimer County Court?
Cybercrime, C.R.S. 18-5.5-102, can be charged for any one of a multitude of different computer related actions in Larimer County. These actions include:
- Using a software application to disable an electronic queue or other means designed to limit the number of tickets a person may buy
- Accessing a computer, computer network, or computer system without authorization, or in excess of authorization provided to the user
- Using a scanning device to access or unlawfully replace information on a payment card to defraud its authorized user, issuer, or merchant
- Accessing a computer, computer network, or computer system with the intent of fraudulently obtaining money or another item of value
- Using a computer, network, or system to solicit or arrange a situation for a minor to engage in prostitution
- Accessing a computer, network, or system to damage any part of the computer, system, or network, or causing a program or software to cause damage to a computer, system, or network
Critical to note is that the above actions can also easily intersect with other criminal charges. Harassment, C.R.S. 18-9-111 and Identity Theft, C.R.S. 18-5-902, are just two of many other crimes that can be charged alongside Cybercrime, significantly increasing the penalties the defendant will face if convicted.
Examples of Cybercrime in Loveland and Estes Park
Some examples of Cybercrime in Loveland and Estes Park include, but are not limited to, the following scenarios:
- Using a program to circumvent an electronic waiting line, allowing you to buy concert tickets at the Budweiser Event Center before anyone else
- Using the dark web to arrange for a minor to engage in prostitution
- Disabling others’ computers with ransomware and demanding that they pay money to regain access
- Accessing your university’s computer system to change your grades
- Lifting information from another person’s credit card using a scanning device
Cybercrime encompasses a wide variety of different electronic actions. Even an action as innocuous as using your friend’s social media account without his permission can result in Cybercrime charges. How about posting something derogatory on your exgirlfriend’s social media account with her login? Additionally, a person need not use a computer or laptop to be charged with this crime. Smart phones and tablets are also regarded as computers under C.R.S. 18-5.5-101, and any of the acts listed above that were committed using a phone or tablet will also result in Cybercrime charges.
Sentences for Cybercrime / Compuer Crime in Larimer County
Sentences for Cybercrime vary greatly in Larimer County. Depending on the amount of damage caused to another and the defendant’s intent, Cybercrime can range anywhere between a petty offense and a class 2 felony. Generally, Cybercrime is sentenced based on the total value of property that was lost, damaged, or compromised in the commission of the offense. However, some circumstances of Cybercrime do not depend on the total monetary loss, but simply on the action itself. For example, Cybercrime is charged as a class 5 felony if a person uses a computer to solicit or arrange a situation for a minor to engage in prostitution.
Some penalties for a Cybercrime conviction include, but are not limited to the following:
- Months or years in the Larimer County Jail (for a petty offense or misdemeanor conviction) or Colorado Department of Corrections (felony conviction)
- Up to hundreds of thousands of dollars of fines
- Years of mandatory parole after incarceration for felony Cybercrime
- Restitution to compensate the victim for his / her losses
- Mandatory firearm / ammunition relinquishment, if convicted of felony Cybercrime
Hire an Experienced Fort Collins Criminal Defense Lawyer
Are you facing Cybercrime charges? If so, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, the penalties that come with a Cybercrime conviction have the potential to wreck your future. In addition, Cybercrime can often be complicated – especially if you were also charged with other crimes – and only a criminal defense lawyer with more than 30 years of experience has the ability to defend you well. Don’t wait: the sooner you contact a top Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer, the sooner you can have peace of mind knowing that your future is in good hands.
If you have been charged with Cybercrime, be smart and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not talk to the Fort Collins Police, Larimer County Sheriff, or any other law enforcement officer. Call (970) 658-0007 for a free initial consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Larimer County. We are located one block from the Larimer County Courthouse. Together, we can protect your future.
The location of the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Dzenina Lukac