Philadelphia Internet Crimes Lawyer
It’s the digital age, and it is increasingly difficult to find someone who is not online in one way or another. Between banking, online shopping, remote work, social media, and other Internet ventures, almost everyone uses the Internet in some capacity. Unfortunately, anyone online is also at risk of being taken advantage of by online scammers and white-collar criminals. This also means more and more people are falsely or wrongfully accused of such offenses. If you have had Internet crime charges brought against you, the consequences you face could be devastating. If you are convicted, your entire future could be impacted.
Working with a solutions-oriented Philadelphia Internet crimes lawyer from Ciccarelli Law Offices could be the best way to clear your name of these allegations. With a reputable Philadelphia criminal defense attorney on your side, you may be able to avoid some of the harsh penalties that come with a guilty verdict. Contact our legal team to schedule a confidential consultation to learn more about the severity of the charges against you and whether you have a strong defense strategy.
Our Internet Crimes Attorneys Handle a Wide Array of Offenses
Internet crimes can take multiple forms. Our criminal defense team has represented individuals charged with many of the following types of online crimes:
- Child solicitation
- Computer theft
- Computer trespassing
- Credit card fraud
- Cyberbullying
- Cyberstalking
- Distributing computer viruses
- Federal computer crimes
- Fraud
- Hacking
- Identity theft under 18 Pa. Section 4120
- Online drug trafficking
- Phishing
Arraignment for Internet Crimes
Arraignment is where you will enter your plea. It is also where bail will be decided. During arraignment, you can enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you plead no contest or guilty, the judge may elect to sentence you on the spot or schedule a sentencing hearing.
If you plead not guilty, a trial date will be set, and bail will be discussed. Your potential threat to the community and your likelihood of returning for your trial date will be taken into consideration when determining whether you should be granted bail, released on your own recognizance (ROR), or have bail denied.
Philadelphia Internet Crimes FAQ
Can I get my record expunged?
Not everyone who has been charged with or convicted of an Internet crime will be eligible for expungement. When your record is expunged, your criminal charges or convictions will no longer appear on your background check. This can create employment and housing opportunities so you can rebuild your life after your Internet crime charges. The severity of the charges against you will determine whether you are eligible for expunction.
Generally, if you were found not guilty or the charges against you were dismissed due to a lack of evidence or prosecution, you may be eligible for expungement per 18 Pa. 9122. If you were convicted or plead guilty, but at least five years have passed since the completion of your sentence, you may also qualify for expunction. Additionally, if you completed an accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) program and meet the necessary terms, you could qualify to have your record expunged.
Where can I post bail in Philadelphia?
If you are granted bail, you can post it in person 24/7 at the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice, 1301 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Alternatively, bail can be paid online through the Pennsylvania bail pay system known as PAePay Bail as described by the Philadelphia Police Department. If you need to secure bail, you or your family members can reach out to any of the following reputable bail bondsmen in the Philadelphia area.
ABC Bail Bonds
Open 24 hours
Philadelphia Bail Bonds
Open 24 hours
Philadelphia Bail Bonds
Open 24 hours
www.philadelphiabailbondsllc.com
Cutting Edge Bail Bonds
Open 24 hours
Located in The Shops at Liberty Place
THE BAIL PROS
Open 24 hours
What do I do if I cannot afford bail?
Bail is designed to ensure that you appear at your next court date. For this reason, it is possible bail will be set and you cannot afford the cost. If this happens, you may be able to work with a bail bondsman to post your bail at a fee of around 10% of your bail amount.
If you fail to appear in court, the bail bondsman will be responsible for paying the total bail amount, which is why bail bondsmen will generally only post bail for a non-refundable fee. You could also take out a personal loan, request a bail reduction, ask the court for a payment plan, use your assets or property as collateral, or ask your family or friends for help raising bail money.
Will I qualify for ARD?
Most accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD) programs are only available to individuals who have never been charged with a criminal offense or are accused of committing a nonviolent crime. Depending on the type of Internet crime you have been accused of committing, you may be eligible for ARD per the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
This is a great alternative to presenting a defense strategy at trial. If you agree to enter an ARD program, you should be prepared to fulfill the program terms. For example, you may need to:
- Meet with a probation officer
- Complete community service hours
- Abstain from drugs or alcohol
- Complete anger management
- Attend group counseling or mental health therapy
- Complete a drug or alcohol treatment program
- Pay restitution and court fines
If you do not fulfill these requirements as described in your ARD program, the district attorney can revoke your ARD and move forward with the Internet crimes charges against you.
Trust in a Powerful Philadelphia Internet Crimes Attorney
Internet crimes may seem harmless, but the victims’ entire lives can be impacted. Internet crime survivors may struggle to cope financially, emotionally, and physically, or even succumb to the trauma of the event and engage in substance abuse, self-harm, or commit suicide. For these reasons and more, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania takes Internet crimes seriously. If you are convicted, you can expect severe criminal penalties.
Do not let incarceration become your future. Turn to a highly skilled Internet crimes lawyer in Philadelphia from Ciccarelli Law Offices to clear your name of these criminal charges. Our firm is standing by, ready to start crafting a powerful defense strategy. Complete our secured contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential consultation as soon as today.