Erie Internet Crimes Lawyer

Erie Internet Crimes Attorney

If you are charged with an internet crime in the “Flagship City,” or Erie, Pennsylvania, it can be scary and stressful. It can mean your reputation and freedom are on the line. It could be a first offense, a repeat offense, or simply a case of mistaken identity. Either way, hiring an Erie internet crimes lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected.

Internet crimes, also known as cybercrime, have increased each year. Internet crimes may involve:

• Identity theft. This is the unlawful use of identifying information of another person without the consent of that person. If this theft is under $2,000, it is a misdemeanor. Over $2,000 is considered a felony in the third degree.
• Digital forgery. Unlike in-person forgery, digital forgery involves purposefully creating an image to defraud others. This is a misdemeanor, unless there is also theft. With theft, it is classified as a felony in the third degree.
• Hacking. This is an attempt to alter, access, damage, or destroy computer software or hardware. It also applies to any other telecommunications device. Hacking is classified as a felony in the third degree.
• Child sexual abuse material. Any person who knowingly possesses or distributes child sexual abuse material (CSAM) may be charged with a felony in the 3rd degree.

These are only a few of the internet crimes covered in Pennsylvania. Virtually any crime involving the internet could fall under these criminal statutes. If they cross state lines, including through email or a web service, they may attract the attention of the FBI or the U.S. Secret Service.

State versus Federal Crimes

If a cybercrime crosses state lines, it may be prosecuted under federal or state jurisdiction. There are laws that outline several different cybercrimes in Pennsylvania. The penalties range from fines to felony charges with lengthy prison sentences.

If you receive a felony conviction for a cybercrime, it can do lasting damage to your criminal record. This affects your employment prospects and housing options. It can also impact your personal relationships.

A recent report by the FBI stated that cybercrime was higher in 2024 in Pennsylvania. According to the FBI, Pennsylvania ranked fifth among all states in cybercrime, with over 859,000 reports. The top three most reported cybercrimes in Pennsylvania were:

• Phishing. This is the fraudulent practice of sending emails as if they were from a legitimate company. It’s done for the purpose of gaining personal identification information such as credit cards, passwords, birthdates, and bank account information.
• Extortion. Threatening to harm or block access to digital data for the purpose of demanding money is considered extortion.
• Personal data breach. Breaches compromise the integrity and confidentiality of personal data such as social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, PINs, and more.

Hire an Erie Internet Crimes Lawyer

Internet crimes are serious. Criminal defenses can involve complex digital data, forensics, and navigating state and federal laws. Hiring an Erie internet crimes attorney from Levenson Law Firm can help protect your standing in the community.

At Levenson Law Firm, we work collaboratively. We have the experience to challenge evidence and how it’s handled. We’re also able to question probable cause and defend your Fourth Amendment rights.

Our firm loves standing up to the federal government to protect your constitutional rights, and we are good at what we do. With extensive experience in all criminal defenses, an Erie criminal defense lawyer can stand by you and fight for reduced or dismissed charges.

FAQs

Who Prosecutes Internet Crimes?

Who prosecutes internet crimes depends on where and how they occurred. They may be prosecuted by the Erie County District Attorney, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Attorney General, the United States Attorney’s Office, or the FBI. Crimes prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office are likely to carry heavier penalties when they result in a conviction. Hiring an Erie internet crimes lawyer who can present a robust, intelligent defense is a smart move.

What Are Effective Defenses to Internet Crime Charges?

Effective defenses to internet crime charges include:

• Proving the defendant had consent to use the computer for their purposes
• Proving cases of mistaken identity
• Showing that the digital property was downloaded by mistake
• Investigating evidence and collection methods
• Verifying the warrant

At Levenson Law Firm, we perform a thorough analysis of your case and all of the minute details. Our team is dedicated to defending our clients with all the tools available to us.

How to Report a Cybercrime in Erie, PA?

To report a cybercrime in Erie, PA, call the City of Erie Police Department non-emergency line at 814-870-1125. If your cybercrime involves loss of money, also contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation or file your complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. Save as much evidence as possible of the crime as soon as you can. Digital evidence can disappear shortly after the crime takes place.

Who Has Jurisdiction Over Internet Crimes in Pennsylvania?

Who has jurisdiction over Internet crimes in Pennsylvania depends on the details of the case. The Erie County District Attorney and the Pennsylvania Attorney General may have concurrent jurisdiction over the case.

In interstate crimes, the U.S. Attorney or the FBI may have jurisdiction. In certain cases, you could face trial in both state and federal court. Hiring an Erie internet crimes lawyer to keep your case in state court can help you avoid harsher penalties.

Levenson Law Firm in Erie

At Levenson Law Firm, we give clients personalized, sympathetic attention. We have experience in criminal cases and are familiar with the Erie County Courthouse, located at 140 West Sixth Street in Erie. We have also worked on cases in the U.S. Courthouse for the Western District of Pennsylvania at 17 South Park Row in Erie.

Our collaborative approach combines legal astuteness with compassion for our clients. We have successfully defended clients accused of various white-collar crimes in Erie. We are well-versed in the types of defenses that work to keep your freedom and your reputation intact. Contact us today to discuss your case.