Most people here in Florida and elsewhere consider the internet a technological gift. Through it, they can shop, learn and stay in touch with people who live far from them, among other things. As is the case with most advances in society, it could also be used against those same people.
Hacking has been around as long as there have been computers. The internet only made it easier. These breaches of internet security expose sensitive and private information belonging to others. Manipulating or deleting this information could cause a significant amount of harm to those targeted.
Hacking is just one criminal charge you could face
If you find yourself under investigation for hacking, police may also suspect you of one of the following other criminal offenses:
- You could face charges for theft if suspected of stealing information from the system or computer that was hacked.
- You could face charges for identity theft if suspected of using the personal information of someone else for personal gain or interest.
- You could face charges for fraud if suspected of schemes such as phishing or spamming.
- You could face charges for breaching national security.
Charges stemming from computer crimes such as those above can come with harsh penalties. You could face a significant period of incarceration and hefty fines if convicted. In addition, your personal and professional lives may never recover after a conviction.
You don’t have to wait for an arrest
The moment you discover you are under investigation by police, you can begin protecting your rights. Waiting until for an arrest warrant could cost you dearly. Your constitutional rights against self-incrimination and unlawful search and seizure belong to you regardless of the circumstances, and you can assert those rights immediately.
In fact, before you even have any contact with the police, it may help to gain an understanding of your rights and learn how to protect them. In order to do so, you may want to take advantage of the experience and knowledge of a criminal defense attorney here in Lakeland. Having the ability to keep a watchful eye on police and the investigation could prevent you from inadvertently giving up your rights.
In addition, it may be possible to interact with investigators in a way that helps you develop a defense strategy ahead of time. This area of law continues to evolve as technologies improve and change. For this reason, the potential for mistakes and violations of your rights by authorities remains a possibility.
