What Are the Consequences of a Computer Crime Conviction in Texas?

Are you currently facing charges for a computer-based crime in Texas? On one hand, you might be thinking that computer crimes are not as serious as other types of notable violent crimes and thus might not come with significant penalties. On the other hand, however, you may know that digital or cybercrimes are taken extremely seriously under state and federal law, and thus you may be particularly concerned about the possible consequences of a conviction. In general, there is no single “computer crime” offense in Texas with which a person can be charged, but rather a series of computer-based offenses that do typically fall under the umbrella of cybercrimes. Our Texas cybercrime defense attorney can tell you more about the possible penalties for some of the most common types of computer-based crimes that are charged in Texas.

Felony Computer Crimes

Certain computer crimes are considered extremely serious and are charged as felonies. For example, the offense of “online impersonation” is an offense that can be charged if you use the name or persona of another person without their consent, and with intention of causing harm, defrauding, or intimidating or threatening another person, through the computer in some capacity. This is a serious offense that is typically charged as either a third-degree felony or a second-degree felony. For a third-degree felony, the prison sentence is two to ten years, and a person can face up to 20 years for a second-degree felony conviction.

Many computer crimes involving the online solicitation of a minor or other sexual acts involving minors are also common computer-based felonies. Online solicitation of a minor is typically a third-degree or second-degree felony, but sometimes a person can even face a first-degree with up to life imprisonment if there are certain aggravating factors.

Computer Crimes Charged as Misdemeanor or Felony Offenses

There are also a number of common cybercrimes or computer crimes that may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the particular circumstances. Some cybercrimes are not considered nearly as serious as others, although they can still result in penalties that include jail time and substantial fines. At the same time, depending on the facts of the case, the same offense may result in a serious felony charge.

For example, the offense of “breach of computer security” is often charged as a Class B misdemeanor that can result in penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a significant fine. At the same time, if the breach involves government property or other protected information, you could be facing up to a second-degree felony.

In addition, the offense of “electronic data tampering” is sometimes charged as an offense as low as a Class C misdemeanor that can come with a fine of up to $500, but this offense can also result in up to second-degree felony charges and up to 20 years of imprisonment in the event of a conviction, depending on the circumstances.

Contact Our Texas Computer and Cybercrime Defense Lawyer for Help with Your Case

Even though you might be assuming that computer-based crimes are not as serious as violent offenses or those that involve you actually leaving your residence to commit them, these types of offenses are in fact taken extremely seriously in Texas and can come with severe penalties in the event of a conviction, depending on the specific offense. As such, you need to have a defense attorney on your side. One of the experienced Texas computer crime defense lawyers at John Reed, Attorney at Law can speak with you today to learn more about the details of your arrest and to begin working with you on a defense strategy that is tailored to the facts of your case. Contact us today for help with your defense.

Source:

statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/pe/htm/pe.33.htm