Rockland County Student Cyber Crimes Lawyer
Most students, no matter where they go to school, have to balance many different priorities. They may need to juggle school, work, and a social life. They should not have to deal with criminal charges on top of their already hectic schedules.
If you or your child has been accused of any cybercrime, be sure to contact a Rockland County student cyber crimes lawyer. A dedicated attorney could help you through the case to make sure every action you take is the correct one.
Types of Cyber Crimes in Rockland County
New York law contains various statutes for prosecuting cyber crimes. Generally, a cyber crime may include any illegal activity that takes place on a computer or a computer network, including the Internet. Examples of such crimes include:
- Unauthorized use of a computer or network
- Hacking or other illegal access to a computer or network
- Tampering with a computer or any information stored on a computer, including academic records
In many situations, students are accused of illegally using or accessing on-campus computer equipment, including tampering with computers and grade or other records. One of the most basic computer-related crimes is that of unauthorized use of a computer. Under New York Penal Law §156.05, an individual is guilty of unauthorized computer usage if they knowingly use, or cause to be used, a computer or computer network without authorization.
Unauthorized use of computers may arise when a student is accused of accessing off-limits computers or networks, including those belonging solely to staff or faculty. Any individual that has further questions about unauthorized computer usage charges should contact a Rockland County student cyber crimes lawyer for more information.
Charges Associated With Tampering
Computer tampering is generally a more serious charge than the unauthorized use of a computer. To be charged with computer tampering, an individual must access a computer without authorization and also intentionally change or destroy computer data, according to New York Penal Law §156.20.
For example, if a student is accused of changing or falsifying their grades by accessing a staff-only database or network, then they may be charged with computer tampering.
More serious degrees of computer tampering usually involve monetary loss or damage as the result of changing or destroying computer data. These types of computer tampering may be charged as felonies. For example, first-degree computer tampering occurs if a person causes damages exceeding $50,000, as per New York Penal Law §156.27. For assistance with computer tampering or other similar charges, students should call a Rockland County student cyber crimes lawyer as soon as possible.
Is Online Harassment a Cyber Crime?
Under NY Penal Law Sec. 240.30, online harassment is a form of cybercrime. According to the statute, this offense involves transmitting a communication through electronic means with the intent to threaten, alarm, annoy, or harass another person. As a Class A misdemeanor, students could face up to a year in jail upon conviction. For minor students, online harassment could lead to a juvenile delinquency case.
What Evidence is Used in a Student Cyber Crime Case?
Many students feel anonymous while online, but that is often not the case. There are numerous ways the police could track a student’s actions online or trace the location of a specific communication.
Some evidence could be as basic as a browser’s history. If a student allows the police or their school to search their computer, browser history could provide evidence of criminal activity.
Even if a case involves a public computer, there could be other ways to identify the user. For example, surveillance video might identify a person using a public computer in a library. Log-in information could be used to prove which student used a specific computer on campus.
How Can Cyber Crime Convictions Impact a Student’s Life?
There are numerous ways a conviction for cyber crimes could negatively impact a student’s life. First, there is the potential for criminal penalties such as jail time and extensive fines. A conviction could also lead to a criminal record that impacts a student’s ability to obtain a job and housing after graduation.
There could also be consequences directly from the school itself. A criminal conviction could result in suspension, loss of extracurricular privileges, or even expulsion from the school.
A Rockland County Student Cyber Crimes Attorney Can Help
Any individual charged with a cybercrime should not delay in obtaining legal assistance. Many cyber crime cases are complex, involving multiple defendants and technological details. You may need a Rockland County student cyber crimes lawyer who can help you navigate your case and provide you with detailed legal recommendations.
An attorney is dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. They could work with you at every stage of your case and provide you with the resources necessary to make informed decisions. If you have been charged with a cybercrime, do not hesitate to contact an attorney immediately.