Cybercrimes

Cybercrimes describe any crime that is committed with the use of a computer. As of 2021, broadbandsearch.net found that approximately 30,000 websites were being hacked each day. One-third of all consumers were affected by a data breach in 2020—a record year for cybercrimes. Nearly 78 percent of all organizations in the United States have experienced a cyber attack in the past year.  

Cybercrimes affect all of us but can be difficult to definitively prosecute in many cases, as there are jurisdictional boundaries that prevent cyber-criminals from being prosecuted. There is also a lack of law enforcement resources able to keep up with cybercrimes. In the wake of accusations of cybercrimes charges in the greater Phoenix metro area, Maricopa County including but not limited to Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale or Gilbert, you need to contact an attorney immediately.

Why You Should Choose Ciccarelli Law Offices for Your Cyber Crimes Charges

Cybercrime charges in the state of Arizona can be extremely serious, requiring a highly skilled criminal defense attorney from the Ciccarelli Law Offices. Cybercrimes are a felony in the state of Arizona, meaning the penalties can be extremely severe. If you have been charged with committing cybercrimes, you are likely anxious and stressed about your future. If you believe the charges are unwarranted, you may even be angry. The Ciccarelli Law Offices bring more than 100 combined years of national criminal defense experience to the table on your behalf. 

At the Ciccarelli Law Offices, we are dedicated to your defense, and ready to fight to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf. We will treat you with respect, while always being honest in our discussions. At the Ciccarelli Law Offices, we have successfully represented more than 15,000 clients. 

Whether the allegations of committing a cybercrime are not true, or you simply made a one-time error in judgment, the Ciccarelli Law Offices will always be in your corner. Attorney Lee Ciccarelli has received the following accolades:  

• Super Lawyer 
• Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association 
• Ten Best Client Satisfaction Award by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys 
• A 10.0 rating by AVVO 
• One of the Top 100 Litigation Attorneys by the American Society of Legal Advocates 

At the Ciccarelli Law Offices, we understand you have choices, and we hope you will choose the Ciccarelli Law Offices for your cybercrimes defense. We are proven, aggressive, compassionate, and ready to help you with your cybercrimes charges. 

What are the Laws Pertaining to Arizona Cybercrimes?

In the state of Arizona, when charged with a cybercrime, you could be charged under A.R.S. 13-2316—Computer Tampering. You could also be charged with Unlawful Possession of an Access Device (13-2316.01), and Unauthorized Release of Information (13-2316.02). 

Computer tampering is defined as the act of accessing a computer, changing data on a computer, damaging data on a computer, or destroying data on a computer when you do not have the authorization to do so.   

Suppose you are an employee at a manufacturing firm. You are fired from your position, and before you leave, you delete crucial company data from the hard drive. In this situation, you could be charged with Computer Tampering. You could also be charged with Computer Tampering if you hacked into a company’s computer system with the intention of stealing or using personal information.    

To be found guilty of Computer Tampering, it must be shown by the prosecution that your actions caused emotional distress to your victim(s) and that your actions served no legitimate purpose. If you are found to illegally possess an “access device” (an encryption key, password, code, account number, or card used to access an electronic device like a cellphone or computer) without the permission of the owner, you have violated the Unlawful Possession of an Access Device. 

Arizona law makes a presumption that if you are in possession of five or more access devices without the permission of the owner, your intention is to use, distribute, or sell them. When you talk about or distribute confidential security information regarding a network or computer without the knowledge of the owner, you could be charged with the Unauthorized Release of Proprietary or Confidential Computer Security Information. 

What Are the Penalties for Cybercrimes?

A violation of any of the three above cybercrime laws is a felony offense. Violations of Computer Tampering are usually charged as a Class 3 or 4 felony, resulting in a sentence of 2.5 to 3.5 years in jail. If the crime of Computer Tampering affected something like a power grid or other critical infrastructure system, the charges can be upgraded to a Class 2 felony, with the potential of a sentence of up to 5 years in prison. 

Violations of Unlawful Possession of an Access Device may be charged as anything from a Class 4 felony to a Class 6 felony. The potential penalties range from 1-2.5 years in jail, depending on the number of access devices the defendant has.  Violations of Unauthorized Release of Information are usually Class 6 felonies that can result in up to one year in jail unless the actions of the defendant affected a critical infrastructure system, then the crime is charged as a Class 4 felony, with up to 3.5 years in jail. 

What are Some Potential Defenses for Cybercrimes? 

As you can see, being charged with Cybercrimes in the state of Arizona is extremely serious. While your exact defense will depend on your charges and the circumstances and facts surrounding your charges, some of the potential defenses include:

• You reasonably believed you were authorized to use the computer in question.
• You reasonably believed you were authorized to alter or destroy data on the computer.
• You reasonably believed you had the right to copy or reproduce data or software. 
• You reasonably believed the owner of an access device had given you permission to use that access device. 
• Someone else used your computer, so the case against you is one of mistaken identity or stolen identity. 
• The seizure of your computer was unlawful as there was either no warrant or no probable cause for a warrant. 
• Your Miranda Rights were violated at the time of your arrest. 
• The state is unable to show intent, knowledge, and willful actions on your part. 

Speak to your attorney from Ciccarelli Law Offices to determine the best defense for you and your actions. 

How the Ciccarelli Law Offices Can Help with Your Charges of Cybercrimes

If you are facing charges of stalking, it is important to realize how serious and grave these charges truly are. You can face significant penalties and consequences if convicted and your reputation in your community may be damaged. You need an aggressive Arizona criminal defense lawyer on your side. At Ciccarelli Law Offices, our Arizona Criminal Defense lawyers have the experience and resources you need to fight these charges. 

Call a Phoenix Cybercrimes Attorney Today

If you or somebody you love is facing accusations or charges of Sex Crimes in the greater Phoenix metro area, Maricopa County including but not limited to Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale or Gilbert, you need to contact an attorney immediately. Not any attorney will do, and you likely need a team of Smart, Experienced, Aggressive, determined lawyers that fight back at sex crimes and discuss you or your loved one’s possible defenses and strategies.   Call now. Now is the time for action and the time for Lee Ciccarelli and his team.