Cyber Crimes Lawyer Townsville
Have you been charged with a cyber crime?
If you're arrested for a cyber crime or computer crime, be sure to contact an experienced criminal lawyer for help. Getting the right advice is your best opportunity for securing the best possible outcome for your case.
We can represent individuals in a range of professions that require the use of restricted computers as part of their employment. For example:
Nurses and paramedics
Correctional officers and police officers
Banking and finance
Teaching staff
Many individuals facing cyber criminal charges have done so while looking up files related to acquaintances, often ex-partners or colleagues, and accessing confidential information like medical records, addresses, bank balances, and payslips. Many assumed they were permitted to access these files because they were not password-protected or restricted.
What is Cyber Crime?
Cyber crime refers to illegal activities carried out online, leveraging technology and the internet to commit various forms of criminal acts including:
Unauthorised access to restricted data
Accessing confidential information
Attacks on computer systems
Installing malware, remote access trojans, keyloggers and ransomware
Email spam and targeted phishing such as sending fake emails asking for login details
Prohibited offensive and illegal content
Identity theft
Online child sexual abuse material
Cyber bullying
Cyber stalking
Sentencing for Cyber Crimes
Section 408E of the Criminal Code(Qld) deems computer hacking or misuse illegal. Depending on the charge, computer hacking can result in penalties ranging from two to ten years of imprisonment.
In Australia, sentences for cybercrimes are based on factors such as:
Harm caused
Value of financial losses
Defendant's criminal history
Specific laws that apply to the offence
Sentences may range from fines and community service orders and probation to imprisonment. Always seek legal advice before agreeing to giving a statement or an interview to a police officer investigating an offence.
Cyber crimes can be simple acts
When people hear about computer hacking or cyber crime, they often associate it with hackers who remotely breach a company's security measures to gain financial advantages or access confidential information. What many people fail to recognise is cyber crime can be an action as simple as viewing files on an assigned work computers that they are not authorised to access, even if they have convenient access to these files.
Charges typically arise after an employer discovers the unauthorised access of data through metadata audits, which leave a digital trail that allows those overseeing a restricted computer to ascertain all accessed files and the times of access.
Furthermore, in addition to potential criminal charges, you may also violate employment laws, which could lead to disciplinary actions and possible termination of employment. To ensure you comprehend your obligations when using a work computer, it is advisable to review the user terms applicable to the work computer and any computer usage policies established by your employer.
Cyber Crime Offences our lawyers can help with include:
Computer Hacking or Misuse
Obtaining or dealing with identification information
Cyberbullying
Spreading malware and viruses
Computer Hacking and Misuse
This includes gaining unapproved access to a company's database containing customer information. For example, a hacker identifies a weakness in the company's website and exploits it to access the database. They can potentially steal personal data like names, addresses, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information of the company's customers.
The penalty for stealing data depends on the specifics of the case. This crime carries a maximum punishment of two years imprisonment.
A Weapons License enables you to legally possess a weapon. Additionally, specific licenses are available for security guards, as well as for dealers and collectors.
To be eligible for a Weapons license, there are several important criteria to meet:
You must be over the age of 18 years.
Completion of a firearms safety training course
Secure storage for your firearms must be in place.
You must have a genuine and legal reason for owning a firearm.
Obtaining or dealing with identification information (Identity theft)
Online fraud and identity theft involves gaining access to personal and financial information for illicit purposes. This crime can take various forms, including:
Stealing someone else's identity to commit financial fraud
Trafficking or sale of stolen identification information on the black market
Taking out financial products in someone else's name.
Maximum penalty is 5 years imprisonment in Queensland.
Spreading malware and viruses
Spreading malware and viruses is a common form of cybercrime. Malicious software intentionally infects computers and networks. These harmful programs can take various forms, such as viruses, worms, Trojans, or ransomware. Purposely spreading malware and viruses is a serious offence.
What to expect from Kalo Criminal Law - your local Townsville Assault Lawyer
When you contact our team in Townsville about representing you for a cyber crimes offence, know that we are here to help.
Being charged with a cyber crime can be stressful and overwhelming. We will explain the whole process, reduce any reputational damage, give you options and fight for you.
We’ll ask you a series of questions and listen to what happened and the circumstances surrounding the matter
We’ll let you know what your options are and the possible fines or imprisonment time for the charges
We’ll let you know our fees upfront so you are fully informed on how much it will cost to be represented by a professional and experienced assault offence lawyer to get the best possible outcome for your case
We offer fixed fees and payment plans to suit all of our clients
When you choose Kalo Criminal Law to fight a cyber crime offence, you get a team of lawyers who don’t just know the law – we genuinely love what we do and know how to make it work to our clients advantage.
Our director Kerri Patterson is a confident and tenacious advocate, she enjoys appearing in court and protecting her client’s rights. Kerri’s clients appreciate her professionalism, tenacity and responsiveness.
