What is federal cybercrime?
A cybercrime is a crime committed using an electronic device and a network. Federal cybercrime is considered to affect interstate commerce. This could happen in various ways.
One way is if a cybercrime is committed in multiple states or involves victims in multiple states. Another way is if, in the commission of the crime, the signal engages a server in a different state. Because of the range of the Internet, most cybercrime is charged federally.
There are many kinds of cybercrime, but the most common federally prosecuted one is child pornography. Others include Internet fraud, identity theft, credit card fraud, and hacking.
If you’re being charged with a federal cybercrime, you need a federal defense attorney who can fight the charges and assert your rights. Ted Hasse is an experienced defender who knows and does what needs to be done.
What is considered child pornography?
Pornography is sexually explicit images, videos, or text. Child pornography contains images of minors engaging in sexual acts. The Child Porn Prevention Act (CPPA) is designed to prevent and prosecute this crime.
It’s important to note that even if the image or footage is doctored to make the person look like someone they’re not (a minor), the consequences are the same for consuming that media. Possession, distribution, production, and trafficking of child pornography are all crimes.
Not everyone who consumes pornography can tell if a child is involved. If you’ve been charged with a crime related to child pornography, whether or not you knew what you were looking at, you should seek skilled representation from a federal defense attorney. Let Ted Hasse afford you the legal counsel you need for your best chance at achieving the best outcome in our case.
What are other kinds of federal sexual cybercrime?
Most sexual cybercrime involves minors. However, it isn’t limited to child pornography. There are also computer sex crimes, which include sexual solicitation of a minor.
Online sexual exploitation most commonly includes grooming, live-streaming, consuming child sexual abuse material, and coercing and blackmailing children for sexual purposes. Online sex trafficking is the act of recruiting and advertising minors for sexual acts. Sextortion is when an adult coerces minors into sending explicit images online.
Sexual cybercrime is a serious offense with dire consequences. For your best chance at avoiding a conviction in federal court, you need the reliable federal defense of Ted Hasse. He understands how federal court operates and knows how best to make your case.
What is the punishment for federal cybercrime?
The punishments for federal cybercrime are quite stringent. If you are convicted of a sexual cybercrime involving a minor, you could serve up to 20 years in prison and owe up to $250,000 in fines. In the case of child pornography, you are also required to pay restitution to each victim. The mandatory minimum restitution is $3,000 per victim, and there is no cap.
Financial cybercrime also has restitution orders. They require the convicted person to pay back any money they stole, along with any additional expenses they caused the victim.
Anyone convicted of a federal sexual cybercrime must register as a sex offender on the federal registry. This registration lasts for fifteen years on the first offense. It can affect your prospects for housing, education, and more. Subsequent offenses require an even longer time on the registry.
After your sentence is up, you may be under supervised release. The federal system doesn’t have parole, but this is as close as it gets. Depending on your crime, the supervision can last for a long time, even for the rest of your life.
Between fines, prison time, supervised release, and registering as a sex offender, a cybercrime conviction can upend your life. You need a federal defense attorney to represent your interests in court. Retain the diligent counsel of Ted Hasse.
Free Consultation with a Federal Defense Attorney
No matter what federal cybercrime charge you are facing, it’s in your best interest to seek legal representation. For the best chance at dismissal, acquittal, or reduced sentencing, choose Ted Hasse. He is fully dedicated to every case he handles. He has a firm understanding of federal law and the workings of federal court. You need someone on your side who will fight for you with expertise and knowledge. For a free consultation call (918) 932-2744.