Computer crime charges in Adams County, Colorado often follow unauthorized computer use, theft using a computer, or using a computer to cause some type of damage. Computer crimes can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on specific elements of the crime. Additionally, these unlawful behaviors also apply to the use of smartphones and tablets. Allegations of a computer crime in Colorado necessitates contacting a strategic criminal defense attorney right away.
Colorado’s Computer Crime Law
C.R.S. 18-5.5-102 describes the many aspects of computer crimes in the state of Colorado. Someone commits this offense in Adams County if they use or access a computer, system, or network:
- without authorization,
- for fraudulent purposes,
- via false pretenses, promises, or passwords,
- to commit theft,
- to alter, damage, or interrupt a network or system,
- or as a means of transmitting programs, software, information, code, data, or commands to cause damage
This covers a great deal of circumstances and actions that can lead to criminal charges in Thornton, Commerce City, and Brighton. Additionally, damaging a website or altering a computer system for financial gain is also unlawful. Any instances of hacking, phishing scams, identity theft, stealing private data, or spreading viruses can lead to impactful charges.
How Long Can You Go to Jail for a Computer Crime in Colorado?
The consequences of conviction of a computer crime vary depending on specific details of the offense and value of theft, loss, or damage. Unlawfully accessing a computer or network is a class 2 misdemeanor if it’s your first computer crime. However, a 2nd computer crime of access without authorization is a class 6 felony. Below is a brief description of the level of offense related to the value of damage / theft:
- less than $50 = class 3 misdemeanor
- $50 – $749 = class 2 misdemeanor
- $750 – $1,999 = class 1 misdemeanor
- $2,000 – $4,999 = class 6 felony
- $5,000 – $19,999 = class 5 felony
- $20,000 – $99,999 = class 4 felony
- $100,000 – $999,999 = class 3 felony
- $1,000,000+ = class 2 felony
This means several months in county jail up to decades in prison are possible if convicted. There can also be significant fines associated with computer crime convictions.
Adams County Computer Crime Attorney
Computer crime charges in Colorado are complex and require the expert help of a skilled defense attorney. We have decades of experience representing clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout Colorado and our results stand alone. Contact our office for a free initial consultation where we will carefully analyze your computer crime case and suggest next steps in your defense.
If you or someone you know is facing computer crime charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the strategic criminal attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Daria Nepriakhina