Pittsburgh Internet Crimes Lawyer

erious Internet Crimes Call For A Serious Defense

Internet crime, or cybercrime, charges become more commonplace every year. Often, alleged offenders are charged with attempting to steal personal or corporate information with the intent to ransom or use that information to take someone’s identity. What’s more, these crimes tend to occur across state lines, potentially leading to a federal case. A Pittsburgh internet crimes lawyer can fight your charges so you do not face life-altering penalties.

Internet crimes can be some of the most complex cases. If you face charges for an internet crime, know that you stand your best chance with an experienced attorney.

Why Choose The Levenson Law Firm

At Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices, in Pittsburgh, we have provided clients with legal guidance and representation in criminal defense matters for decades. Our father-daughter team of Stanton D. Levenson and Amy B. Levenson Jones utilize a collaborative approach to defense work, each bringing unique talents to your case and fighting on your behalf as one. We have the experience and know-how to help you mount and implement an effective defense.

Understanding Internet Crimes in Pittsburgh

Internet crime is a growing concern in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania. In 2023, state residents reported 16,407 cybercrime incidents, accounting for roughly 127 victims per million people. These offenses include identity theft, hacking, phishing scams, and online fraud.

The financial toll of these online crimes is considerable. Pennsylvanians lost nearly $251 million to internet crimes in 2022. With 88.7% of households in Allegheny County connected to broadband, nearly every community, from Shadyside to Carrick, is vulnerable.

Accused individuals often find themselves navigating complicated investigations that involve digital forensics, subpoenas, and federal law. Whether the arrest takes place in East Liberty or South Side Flats, those accused of online crimes may face charges in state or federal court. Defendants facing state crimes are often booked at the Allegheny County Jail at 950 Second Avenue while awaiting trial.

Common Types of Internet Crimes in Crimes in Pittsburgh

Internet crime charges in Pittsburgh can range from phishing scams and online harassment to full-blown identity theft and wire fraud. Offenses like credit card fraud or business email compromise often target small businesses in areas like the Strip District or Squirrel Hill.

Law enforcement may involve local cybercrime units or federal agents, especially if the internet activity crosses state lines. Many arrests start with digital evidence like IP traces, emails, or suspicious banking activity.

Whether the accused is a college student caught in a hacking scheme or a North Side resident accused of romance fraud, the criminal consequences can be severe. For many cybercriminals, being online doesn’t mean being untraceable.

Penalties You Could Face for a Cybercrime Conviction

The penalties for internet crimes in Pennsylvania vary depending on the offense and if money was stolen. Breaches of sensitive data from financial institutions can lead to felony charges in many cases. Victims in affluent areas like Mount Washington and Fox Chapel may push for aggressive prosecution or lobby local elected officials to take acts of cybercrime seriously.

Repeat offenders, or those tied to large-scale fraud or data breaches, may face federal charges and long prison terms. Many internet crimes are charged under laws related to theft, wire fraud, or identity fraud, with sentencing enhancements for targeting elderly or disabled victims. Convicted cybercriminals could face confinement at Allegheny County Jail or, for federal crimes, FCI McKean or Loretta.

When Do Internet Crimes Become Federal Offenses?

Internet crimes may start as local investigations but can quickly escalate to federal offenses when certain factors are involved. If the alleged crime crosses state lines, as cybercrimes often do, the offense can be prosecuted at the federal level.

Any use of interstate communication systems like email, wire transfers, or online platforms can trigger the attention of federal agencies like the FBI or U.S. Secret Service. Federal groups are often particularly interested in prosecuting cases that involve identity theft, wire fraud, or child exploitation.  In Pittsburgh, these cases may be prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, located downtown on Grant Street.

Building a Strategic Defense Against Internet Crime Allegations

Defending against internet crime allegations requires a detailed understanding of technology and cybercrime law. The prosecution often relies on digital evidence, such as IP logs, email records, online chats, or even data from cloud storage. A strategic defense can begin by challenging how the evidence was gathered.

Questions your attorney may consider include:

• Was there a valid warrant?
• Were the defendant’s devices lawfully seized?
• Was there probable cause to initiate an investigation?

In neighborhoods like Lawrenceville or Bloomfield, where shared networks are common, IP-based accusations can easily be misdirected. Defense attorneys may work with forensic analysts to question the integrity of the digital trail and expose gaps in the prosecution’s timeline.

As with many crimes, proving a lack of criminal intent or mistaken identity can weaken the prosecution’s case considerably. Favorable outcomes include reduced or dropped charges, although a favorable plea bargain agreement can also allow a defendant to leave the ordeal behind without having to worry about the most serious penalties under the law.

A Dynamic Approach For Your Best Possible Results

A charge for any internet crime is serious. At Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices, we can implement a sound strategy and defend your rights to the fullest in a number of internet crime-related cases, including:

• Fraud
• Embezzlement
• Identity theft
• Harassment or sexual harassment
• Child pornography
• Preying on minors

Thanks to our experience defending clients across several different areas of state and federal criminal law, we have gained a unique perspective on how to approach your case. Not only do we have an extensive background in white collar crimes, but also crimes of a violent and/or sexual nature. Whatever the charge, we know how your case is likely to play out and will use that to our advantage in your case.

FAQs

Q: Who Investigates Internet-Related Crimes?

A: Internet-related crimes are investigated by various agencies, including the FBI, local law enforcement, and special units such as the U.S. Secret Service and state cybercrime divisions. These agencies often collaborate to track, investigate, and prosecute crimes such as hacking, identity theft, and online fraud. The scope of the investigation depends on the nature and severity of the alleged crime.

Q: Does the FBI Have an Internet Crime Complaint Center?

A: Yes, the FBI operates the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), where individuals can report cybercrimes, including fraud, hacking, and identity theft. The IC3 serves as a resource for victims and helps facilitate investigations by forwarding complaints to appropriate law enforcement agencies. This center is a key tool in the fight against Internet-based crime.

Q: Can You Commit an Internet Crime Without Knowing It?

A: Yes, you can commit an internet crime without knowing it. For example, unknowingly participating in a phishing scheme or sharing illegal content can lead to serious legal consequences. However, proving intent is often a critical part of the prosecution’s case, and a lack of awareness may be a valid defense.

Q: What Are Some Examples of Internet Crimes?

A: Some examples of Internet crimes include identity theft, online fraud, phishing, hacking, cyberstalking, and distributing child exploitation material. Internet crimes also include the illegal downloading of copyrighted content, online drug trafficking, and cyberbullying. Each of these crimes carries specific legal consequences and may involve state, federal, or international law enforcement agencies.

Q: What Is Considered an Internet Crime?

A: An internet crime is any illegal activity that involves the use of the internet or other digital technologies. These crimes range from fraud, hacking, and phishing to cyberstalking, identity theft, and online harassment. The definition can also encompass the distribution of illegal content or engaging in activities that violate digital privacy laws.

Experienced Insight. Confidential Consultation

When you face these charges alone, you invite long-term and unnecessary consequences into your life. Our experienced attorneys can help, with Stan bringing experience, proven techniques, and straight-talk and Amy bringing youth, new thinking and a female perspective.

Contact our office at 412-837-8757 or send a message online to schedule your confidential consultation. From our office in Pittsburgh, we help clients throughout Pennsylvania and the entire United States.