Explaining Tulsa County Computer Crimes And How They Are Prosecuted

Tulsa County Computer Crimes

Tulsa County computer crimes encompass various offenses committed using the internet or electronic communication devices. Over the past several years the state of Oklahoma has established a task force and serval different laws that police and enforce internet crimes. Some examples of internet crimes in Oklahoma include:

  1. Online harassment or cyberbullying.
  2. Identity theft through online means. This includes phishing expeditions where someone seeks your identity to use for fraudulent purposes.
  3. Unauthorized access to computer systems or networks. If you are not the owner or do not have the owner of the computers permission to use the device its a crime.
  4. Distributing or possessing child pornography via the internet. This is a big one and includes downloading or forwarding any kind of pornographic materials involving minors.
  5. Online fraud or scams
  6. Cyberstalking. This may entail placing a tracking device on someone’s person or other property for the purpose of tracking them.
  7. Cyberterrorism including threats of violent acts or serious bodily injury to anyone over the internet.
  8. Online solicitation of minors which includes offers for sexual contact or requesting pictures of genitalia to be sent over the internet.

Defenses to Computer Crimes in Oklahoma Include:

  1. Lack of intent: Demonstrating that the accused did not have the intent to commit the alleged crime.
  2. Lack of knowledge: Showing that the accused was unaware of the illegal activity or content.
  3. Entrapment: Arguing that law enforcement induced the accused to commit the crime they would not have otherwise committed.
  4. Insufficient evidence: Challenging the prosecution’s evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
  5. Constitutional violations: Claiming that your rights were violated during the investigation or arrest process.

Potential Punishment For Computer Crimes

The range of sentencing for internet crimes under the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act varies depending on whether you face charges for a felony or a misdemeanor. If authorities convict you of a felony under the act, fines can range from as low as five thousand dollars to as high as one hundred thousand dollars. The potential jail time range is zero to ten years. For a misdemeanor conviction the range of sentencing is considerably less. Oklahoma penalties vary depending on the specific offense, aggravating factors, and the defendant’s criminal history. Penalties may include fines, probation, imprisonment, and registration as a sex offender for certain offenses like distributing child pornography or soliciting minors online.

Tulsa Criminal Lawyers You Can Count On

Tulsa County computer crimes are broad and can trap individuals unknowingly. Broad-based crimes offer the government multiple charging options, often leading to stacked charges to pressure plea deals. Tulsa Criminal Lawyers Law Firm‘s attorneys comprehend this and possess the resources to combat such cases. Get a Free Consultation today by calling 918.416.0358.