South Jersey Lawyers Defend Clients Charged With Computer Crimes

Camden County Criminal Defense Firm Represents Individuals Accused of Possessing Child Pornography and Other Crimes Related to the Internet and Technology

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern technology, there are countless ways an individual could be charged criminally with crimes involving a computer, laptop, tablet, storage systems, databases, or any of the various forms of social media. At Lackey & Miller, LLC, located in Cherry Hill, our attorneys are former prosecutors who are well-versed in the complicated area of cybercrimes and the investigative techniques involved, and are fully prepared to effectively defend against such allegations. Regardless of the nature of the investigation, most result in the issuance of a search warrant for your residence, often executed in the early hours of the morning. This may involve the seizure of your computers, laptops, cellphones, tablets, and any other electronic devices, which could lead to additional search warrants for forensic data extraction. At this point it is imperative that you remain calm, assert your right to counsel, exercise your right to remain silent, and promptly secure the guidance of a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.

Common Computer Related Crimes

In Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, and throughout the South Jersey area, our firm defends clients in cases involving various types of computer and cyber related offenses, including:

• Child Pornography (N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(b)) – The possession, distribution, or manufacturing of child pornography is an extremely serious allegation in New Jersey. Depending on the number of items possessed or distributed, a person charged with child pornography could be sentenced to more than ten years of imprisonment with additional conditions such as mandatory parole stipulations, Megan’s Law registration and Parole Supervision for Life.
• Luring or Enticing a Child (N.J.S.A. 2C:13-6) – A significant number of luring cases originate in the digital realm, primarily through interactions on social media platforms. These interactions frequently escalate to conversations about arranging in-person meetings with individuals who are minors. A person commits a crime of the second-degree if he or she attempts, via electronic or any other means, to lure or entice a child or one who he or she reasonably believes to be a child into a motor vehicle, hotel, residence, isolated structure, or any other place, with the purpose to commit a criminal offense against the child (such as a sexual act). Luring is a second-degree offense, which carries a potential penalty of five to ten years imprisonment, Megan’s Law registration, and Parole Supervision for Life upon conviction.
• Computer Theft (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-25) – Broadly speaking, engaging in any form of “hacking” or unauthorized access to computer databases is considered a criminal offense in New Jersey. It is unlawful to access any database, computer storage medium, computer software, equipment, system or network without permission or authorization. It is also unlawful to alter, damage, or destroy any data or any system, or to cause any disruption to those systems without authorization. Lastly, it is unlawful to enter any of those systems without authorization to take or copy any of the data or to use any of the data without permission. Depending on the value of the information or the system entered, this could be a second-, third-, or fourth-degree crime with various penalties upon conviction.
• Cyber-Harassment (N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4.1) – This crime is closely related to the common charge of harassment, except it is charged as a fourth-degree crime, with one narrow exception when it is charged as a third-degree crime. Using the internet, electronic device, or any of the numerous social media sites to send messages in a threatening manner or knowingly send, post, comment, or request, etc. any lewd, indecent, or obscene material to or about a person with the intent to harm is considered cyber-harassment and a crime in New Jersey. What one person may consider funny, or a joke, could actually be stepping over the line and result in a criminal charge with serious repercussions.

These examples provide just a glimpse into the range of crimes associated with the internet and technology that can lead to charges in New Jersey. If your residence has been searched and your electronic devices seized by law enforcement, it is crucial to have experienced criminal defense lawyers advocating for you, safeguarding your rights from the very beginning, and working tirelessly to secure the most favorable resolution for your case.

Contact a South Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer for a Consultation

Lackey & Miller, LLC, located in Cherry Hill advocates for Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County and South Jersey area residents charged with all types of cyber-related offenses. Please call 856-399-0089 or contact us online to discuss your matter with a qualified attorney.