Criminal Lawyer Helps With Computer Criminal Activity (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-25) Charges
Hacking and illegally accessing data or networks are serious crimes in New Jersey, and are usually charged under Computer Criminal Activity (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-25).
Specifically, the statute forbids you from accessing data, altering or destroying data or hardware, accessing or attempting to access data with the intent of committing a scheme to defraud, or with the intent to obtain services, identifying information, or money from the owner, to obtain, take, copy, or use such data, or to access and recklessly alter any data or hardware.
How the charge, or charges, are graded will vary. In most circumstances, you’ll face a third or second degree charge, with potential sentences of 3-5 years at the third degree level, or 5-10 years at the second degree level.
Where damage or loss to the property owner exceeds $5,000, or where certain types of information have been taken, a base charge can be elevated. When the element of recklessness is present, the base charge is a fourth degree crime, with a potential sentence of 18 months if convicted.
Computer Criminal Activity is a complex charge whose prosecution hinges on highly technical information that must be explained to a jury in a way it can understand, and rebutted effectively by your defense team.
If you or a family member are facing charges for computer criminal activity, contact us for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey computer crimes defense attorney, call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661.
