Computer Charges

Computer Charges – State & Federal In Texas
Board Certified Criminal Defense – San Antonio, TX

Computer Charges are a growing and rapidly changing area of law because of ever changing technology. Certain computer crimes are so new that specific laws are not written yet to address these crimes. General laws already in existence are often inadequate in proscribing the particular illicit activities.

Conduct resulting in an offense according to federal statute includes an intentional or knowing access of a computer to obtain confidential national security information, financial information of a financial institution or of a credit card issuer, information of a federal department or agency, or to commit fraud.

Under Texas law computer crimes of breach of computer security and harmful access are also recognized. A person commits breach of computer security by knowingly accessing a computer, computer network, or computer system without the effective consent of the owner, or intentionally giving a password, identifying code, personal identification number, debit card number, bank account number, or other confidential information about a computer security system to another person without effective consent. The punishment can range anywhere from a fine of no more than $2,000 and 6 months in prison, unless there was intent to obtain a benefit or to defraud or harm another by the breach of computer security. In this instance the crime is a state jail felony with punishment dependant upon the value of the loss.

In addition, Texas law prohibits intentionally, and without effective consent, to damage or destroy a computer, cause a computer to interrupt or impair a government or public operation, use a computer to tamper with official records, introduce false information into a computer system to alter credit records, cause a computer to alter or erase a negotiable instrument, or introduce a computer virus into a computer. Depending on the amount of loss, harmful access to a computer is a crime ranging from a second degree felony (2-20 years in prison and/or a fine not to exceed $10,000) to a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in prison and a fine not to exceed $4,000).

The prosecutors aggressively pursue individuals with Computer charges. But prosecutors do not hold all of the cards. An experienced and skillful defense attorney knows the prosecutors tricks. Don’t be intimidated. Protect your rights. Contact board certified criminal defense attorney Anthony Cantrell today. We offer:

• Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law
• Emergency hearings and bail bond service 24 hours a day - 7 days a week
• Free initial consultations
• Affordable fees in writing
• Personal care and attention by an experienced Texas lawyer

Protect your rights. Contact our office as soon as possible and let us start to aggressively fight for you today.