The state laws in the United States identify a number of different crimes that can be committed with a computer or by those that have access to a network. Computer crimes may include hacking into a secure network to steal credit card numbers or damaging a computer system with a denial-of-service attack.
Laws concerning computer crimes have been enacted at both the state and federal levels. In 1986, Congress passed the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA). This law has been amended and expanded as internet technology has advanced, and it continues to form the basis for federal prosecutions of computer-related criminal activities.
Other Federal Statutes include: 1) Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), 2) Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act of 2008 (ITERA), and 3) Certain provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.
Washington computer crime laws prohibit the intentional access of a computer network in order to commit fraud, larceny, or damage the computer. Many computer crimes are committed as a means of stealing money or valuable information.
Cyber crimes are not simply reserved for fraud or identity theft-related activities. Computer crimes can encompass a broad range of activities including using an electronic device (like a computer, tablet, or Smartphone) to harm, defraud or threaten another person, to solicit minors, or cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying has become a wide-spread problem over the past several years. There are ways you can help lessen the chances of your child becoming a victim. Establish rules about appropriate use of computers, cell phones, and other technology. Be clear about what sites they can visit and what they are permitted to do when they’re online. Show them how to be safe online. Help them be smart about what they post or say. Tell them not to share anything that could hurt or embarrass themselves or others.
Moreover, it is important to encourage your children to tell you immediately if they, or someone they know, is being cyberbullied. Explain that you will not take away their computers or cell phones if they confide in you about a problem they are having.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal charge, immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you, and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties, and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer.
