Penalties for Online Crimes in Utah
The Utah Attorney General’s office has set up a cybercrimes task force to catch and prosecute people who commit crimes online. The task force on internet crimes focuses on identifying and prosecuting child predators and criminals who victimize older adults or other vulnerable groups.
Offenders can face state or federal cybercrime charges. Those convicted may receive lengthy prison sentences and significant fines. They may also be required to enter the Utah sex offender registry or the State’s white-collar crimes registry. Being in one of these registries can impact their ability to obtain professional licensing or get a job.
If you have been charged with an internet crime in Utah, you will need to hire an experienced cybercrime defense lawyer to ensure that all your rights are fully protected. Before making any statements to police investigators or accepting any deals from prosecutors, speak to a Salt Lake City cybercrime defense attorney for guidance.
Call the Top Cybercrime Attorney
Types of Online Crimes in Utah
Many internet crimes are federal and state offenses. This increases the potential of facing charges in both the State and federal criminal courts for online crimes. It means that the extent of punishments for breaking cybercrime law if convicted can be much more extreme than for offenses that do not rise to the level of federal crimes.
The most frequent offenses on the list of cybercrimes involve acts such as:
- Identity theft
- Financial crimes
- Cyber-stalking
- Hacking
- Terrorism
- Possession or distribution of child pornography
- Fraud crimes using computer technology and the internet
State and federal investigators and prosecutors have substantial resources for obtaining evidence and pursuing convictions. This magnifies the need for a defendant accused of breaking a cyber law to build the strongest possible defense.
Penalties for Online Crimes
Punishments for cybercrimes depend upon the nature of the alleged criminal activity for which a defendant is convicted. People who commit less serious internet crimes may be charged with misdemeanors. But, the majority of online crimes are felonies. Even the least serious felony crimes in Utah carry harsh consequences:
- A 3rd-degree felony is punishable with up to a 5-year prison sentence and fines up to $5,000.
- A 2nd-degree felony is punishable with up to a 15-year prison sentence and fines up to $10,000.
- A 1st-degree felony is punishable with a sentence of up to life in prison.
Additional or alternative penalties for cybercrimes can include:
- Supervised probation
- Many hours of community service
- Registration in the Utah white collar crimes database
- Registration in the Utah sex offender registry (for crimes such as child pornography)
- Paying restitution to victims
Having a criminal record often makes it very difficult for people to get jobs, become licensed as a professional in their field, or even rent a house. You might also be legally prohibited from owning a computer or even from using one.
How Can a Utah Cybercrime Attorney Help?
An aggressive criminal defense team knows how to fight for you in the Utah court system. If you believe you will be charged with an internet crime, you will need the best criminal defense lawyer Utah can offer you. An experienced Salt Lake City criminal defense attorney may succeed in persuading the prosecutor not to charge you. Or, a good defense lawyer often can get the charges in cybercrime cases reduced to less serious ones and possibly get a federal case handed down to the State.
Your lawyer will ensure that all your rights are fully protected and that you understand the consequences of the charges you face. The best cybercrime defense lawyer in Utah will work with you to explore all your options and help you choose the very best course of action for your future.
Charged with an Internet Crime in Utah? Call the Top Cybercrime Lawyers in Salt Lake City, Utah
We are criminal defense lawyers in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our highly experienced defense team has built a long track record of success for our clients. Our aggressive legal strategy gets good results. We immediately get to work to have charges dropped or reduced and keep you from going to jail. We have fluent German and Spanish Speaking lawyers. We offer discounts for members of the military. We also provide helpful payment arrangements.Contact Wasatch Defense Lawyers, Salt Lake City, UT at (801) 980-9965, or use our online contact option to schedule a FREE case review and legal consultation with a top Utah cyber crimes lawyer.
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