Are you Accused of Committing Internet Fraud? You Need a Lawyer, Now.

Both Colorado and Federal police agencies are ramping up their focus on internet fraud crimes, due to a significant spike in these crimes. “Internet fraud crime” covers a wide range of offenses. If you are facing charges or under investigation for an internet crime, you are in a dangerous legal position – if convicted, you could face years in prison and expensive fines.

The FBI has reported a dramatic increase in these crimes in 2020, with 791,790 complaints that year, up from 267,361 the prior year. The total reported losses are reported to be $4.2 billion, up from $3.5 billion in 2019. This spike in internet crime has led federal and state law enforcement to increase the numbers of agents and establish units focused on identifying, arresting, and charging any person they believe is involved in any form of internet fraud.

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What Are Some Types of Internet Fraud Crimes?

Internet fraud crimes include the following offenses:

  • Business fraud
  • Banking fraud
  • Wire fraud
  • Mortgage fraud
  • Identity fraud
  • Credit card fraud
  • Internet auction fraud
  • Fraudulent investment schemes
  • Non-delivery of merchandise purchased on the internet
  • Phishing, spoofing
  • Data breaches
  • Malware crimes
  • Ransomware
  • Business email compromise
  • Unauthorized access of a computer

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Charges of Internet Fraud in Colorado? The Risks.

If you are accused of committing acts of internet fraud, you are in serious legal trouble, and may be charged in both state and federal courts. If you are convicted of an internet fraud crime, you can expect severe penalties. The prison time and fines imposed will reflect the value of what was lost, stolen, or damaged. The charges may be filed as a misdemeanor or felony, and in either case, you will face the future with a criminal conviction on your record, and may spend time in jail, state prison, or federal prison, based on the extent of the fraud.

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Penalties for Internet Fraud in Colorado

It is illegal to knowingly access any computer, computer network, or computer system without authorization, or to exceed your authorized access. If no losses were associated with the crime, you could still face class 2 misdemeanor charges or a class 6 felony charge if you have a prior conviction for a computer crime.

The penalties for internet fraud reflects the value of the damages to the victim or victims, and include:

  • Damage less than $300: Up to 6 months in jail, up to $750 in fines.
  • Damage between $300 and $750: Up to 12 months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines.
  • Damage between $750 and $2,000: Up to 18 months in jail and up to $5,000 in fines.
  • Damage between $2,000 and $5,000: Up to 18 months in jail and fines up to $100,000.
  • Damage between $5,000 and $20,000: 1 to 3 years in prison, fines up to $100,000.
  • Damage between $20,000 and $100,000: 2 to 6 years in prison, up to $500,000 in fines.
  • Damage between $100,000 and $1,000,000: 4 to 12 years in prison, up to $750,000 in fines.
  • Damage of more than $1,000,000: 8 to 24 years in prison, fines up to $1,000,000.

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Defense Strategies for Internet Fraud Cases

You have the right to defend yourself if you are charged with any internet fraud crime. The types of defenses that could be brought include:

  • Lack of intent
  • Illegal search, seizure of property
  • Mistaken identity
  • Others had access to your computer

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Why You Need the Right Internet Fraud Defense Lawyer

To defend against criminal charges of internet fraud, you must ensure your Colorado criminal attorney has extensive experience defending complex cases. The evidence against you will typically include internet data, evaluated by experts. At Welsh Law, LLC, our legal team has the experience necessary to challenge the case presented by even the most aggressive district attorney.

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Connect with Us.

We offer a free 30-minute confidential consultation to discuss your case and what can be done to reduce the damage to your life and freedoms. Call (720) 836-1777 to speak with us today.

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