Houston Cyber Crimes Defense Attorney

Skilled Federal Internet Crimes Attorneys Providing Legal Support To Clients In Houston

Houston Cybercrimes Defense LawyersCybercrimes or computer crimes are considered offenses against property and are defined under Title 7, Chapter 33 of the Texas Penal Code. Common cyber crimes include:

  • Breach of Computer Security (Sec 33.02) – knowingly accessing a “computer, computer network, or computer system without the effective consent of the owner.”
  • Online Solicitation of a Minor (Sec 33.021) – occurs when a person of the age of 17 uses the internet, e-mail, text, or commercial online service to solicit a minor to engage in sexual contact, sexual intercourse, or deviate sexual intercourse.
  • Electronic Access Interference(Sec 33.022) – the intentional interruption or suspension of access to a computer system or computer network without the consent of the owner.
  • Electronic Data Tampering (Sec 33.023) – occurs when a “person intentionally alters data as it transmits between two computers in a computer network or computer system through deception and without a legitimate business purpose.”
  • Unlawful Decryption (Sec 33.024) – the intentional decryption of encrypted private information through deception and without a legitimate business purpose.
  • Tampering with Direct Recording Electronic Voting Machine(Sec 33.05) – knowingly accessing a computer that is part of a voting system in an effort to prevent a person from casting a vote, change a vote, prevent votes from being counted or cause an unlawful vote to be counted.
  • Online impersonation(Sec 33.07) – using the internet to cause harm, defraud, intimidate, or threaten through the creation of a web page or commercial social networking site without the person’s consent or to post or send messages through an online account.

Attorney James Alston: Former State And Federal Prosecutor

Attorney James Alston is recognized as being among the finest cybercrime lawyers in Houston. His experience and knowledge are extensive, including serving as a prosecutor for eight years with the Harris County DA’s office and serving as a federal prosecutor. During his tenure, he gained a great deal of understanding about the processes employed to craft a case against an accused person, and where the weaknesses lie. Mr. Alston is a dedicated, talented criminal trial lawyer who understands the complex details in internet crime cases, and the defense strategies that could allow you to walk away, undamaged, or mitigate the situation.

Penalties For Texas Cybercrimes

Penalties for computer crime offenses depend on the individual crime. In some cases, the punishment depends on the aggregate amount involved. Depending on the circumstances, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. For the most egregious offenses, you could be facing life imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Defenses To Cybercrime Offenses In Texas

There are several defenses that arise in computer crime cases, including that you were an “officer, employee, or agent of a communication common carrier or electric utility” and committed the offense in the course of employment. It may also be a defense to certain cybercrimes that the act was done with the intent to facilitate a lawful search or seizure.

Conviction of an internet-related crime in Texas can lead to serious consequences. Depending on the level of the crime you could face jail, state or federal prison, fines, probation, and restitution. In addition, you may lose your current job, damage your reputation, and diminish future employment and business opportunities. If you are under investigation for committing an internet-related crime in Texas, it is critical that you seek the help of an experienced Houston cybercrime attorney to protect your rights.

Defending Federal Internet Crimes In Houston

At the Law Office of James Alston, we are prepared to defend your case. Our criminal defense lawyers will thoroughly investigate the allegations, the evidence and how the evidence was obtained. We will aggressively protect your rights and pursue the results you need. Some of the possible internet and computer crime charges include, but are not limited to:

  • Identity Theft
  • Internet Fraud
  • Internet Pornography, including possession of child pornography
  • Internet sex crimes, including solicitation of minors in chat rooms
  • Child Trafficking
  • Computer Hacking
  • Illegal Sales
  • Website Fraud
  • Cyber-Stalking

In many internet and computer crimes, the wrong people are accused, or evidence is illegally obtained. If you have been charged with an internet or computer crime, contact a skilled and experienced Houston defense attorney who will take immediate action and aggressively defend your case.

Hire A Leading Houston Cybercrimes Defense Lawyer

No matter what the circumstances of your case, you need to consult a knowledgeable Houston criminal defense attorney. Cybercrimes are heavily prosecuted in the State of Texas. You could be facing significant jail time if convicted. Contact Houston Cybercrimes Defense Attorney James Alston to schedule a free consultation and to determine the options available in your case.