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A California federal cyber crimes lawyer becomes essential when you face internet crimes charges that could result in decades of federal prison and destroy your career in technology or business. Kenney Legal Defense brings over 30 years of experience defending clients against computer crime charges ranging from unauthorized access to complex fraud schemes involving computer systems. Attorney Karren Kenney, a Certified Fraud Examiner and experienced criminal defense attorney with over 100 jury trials, understands how to analyze digital evidence and challenge the federal government's technical allegations. Our cybercrime lawyer team provides aggressive defense against all types of computer and internet crimes, protecting clients from federal penalties that can include substantial fines and lengthy incarceration.
Federal cyber crimes prosecutions involve complex technical evidence, aggressive law enforcement agencies, and severe consequences that extend far beyond traditional criminal penalties. The Department of Justice prioritizes these cases, dedicating vast resources to investigating and prosecuting alleged computer crimes that cross state and international boundaries. Our criminal defense attorney recognizes that many cybercrime allegations arise from misunderstandings about authorization, legitimate security research, or business disputes rather than criminal intent.
Federal agencies, such as the FBI's Cyber Division and the Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force, utilize sophisticated tools to investigate alleged internet crimes, often conducting surveillance for months before making arrests. These investigations often involve multiple jurisdictions, parallel civil proceedings, and complex questions regarding the authenticity and interpretation of digital evidence. Our internet crime attorney knows how to challenge the government's technical evidence, expose flaws in their forensic analysis, and protect clients from overreaching prosecutions that criminalize common online activities.
Federal cybercrime encompasses numerous federal offenses under various federal statutes, from the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act to wire fraud laws applied to online schemes. Our defense lawyer has successfully defended clients facing all types of digital crime allegations in federal court. We understand the technical complexities these cases present and work with forensic experts to challenge every aspect of the government's evidence.
Unauthorized access charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1030, known as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, criminalize accessing protected computers without authorization or exceeding authorized access. These charges can result in up to one year imprisonment for first offenses or up to 20 years for aggravated violations involving damage or information theft. The definition of "authorization" remains contested, with prosecutors sometimes criminalizing violations of website terms of service or employee policies. Our defense strategies include demonstrating actual authorization, challenging the federal interest requirement, and arguing that access didn't exceed the scope of permission.
Identity theft prosecutions involve allegations of stealing, selling, or using personal identifying information to commit fraud or other crimes, carrying penalties up to 15 years under federal law. Data breach cases often combine multiple charges, including unauthorized access, wire fraud, and conspiracy, when hackers allegedly steal databases containing customer information. Federal penalties increase dramatically when breaches involve financial information, health records, or government databases. We challenge whether clients actually accessed or used identity information, dispute the aggregation of victims for sentencing purposes, and demonstrate a lack of intent to commit fraud.
Wire fraud charges apply to virtually any scheme involving internet communications, emails, or electronic transfers used in committing fraud, carrying 20-year maximum sentences. Online scams encompass a wide range of activities, from romance fraud and business email compromise to cryptocurrency schemes and marketplace fraud. The broad nature of wire fraud allows prosecutors to charge each email or communication as a separate count, dramatically increasing potential sentences. Our fraud defense approach challenges whether representations were actually false, demonstrates good faith business practices, and disputes loss calculations.
Federal prosecution of child exploitation material carries mandatory minimum sentences starting at 5 years, with enhancements based on the number of images, distribution, and victim ages. These cases often begin with peer-to-peer file sharing investigations, undercover operations on the dark web, or reports from technology companies detecting illegal content. Digital evidence in these cases requires careful technical analysis to determine whether material was knowingly possessed or distributed. We challenge search warrant validity, examine whether files were inadvertently downloaded, and scrutinize forensic evidence for contamination or misinterpretation.
Ransomware prosecutions target individuals accused of deploying malicious software that encrypts victims' data and demands payment for decryption keys. Federal agencies view ransomware as a national security threat, particularly when it targets critical infrastructure, healthcare systems, or government networks. Penalties include decades in prison plus restitution to all affected victims, which can reach millions of dollars. Our defense strategies include challenging attribution of attacks, demonstrating a lack of involvement in larger operations, and negotiating cooperation agreements when appropriate.
Intellectual property crimes encompass copyright infringement, trade secret theft, and the online trafficking of counterfeit goods or services. The federal government aggressively prosecutes IP theft, particularly involving software piracy, streaming services, or theft of proprietary business information. These cases often involve parallel civil litigation, resulting in crushing financial judgments that often exceed criminal penalties. We examine whether information was actually proprietary, challenge valuations of alleged losses, and demonstrate legitimate access or independent development.
Cryptocurrency cases involve allegations of fraud in initial coin offerings, exchange operations, or investment schemes involving digital assets. Federal law treats cryptocurrency crimes seriously, applying money laundering, securities fraud, and wire fraud statutes to digital currency transactions. The technical complexity of blockchain technology and evolving regulations create numerous defense opportunities. Our wire fraud and conspiracy defense experience helps us challenge the government's understanding of cryptocurrency transactions.
Cybercrime charges fail when prosecutors cannot prove essential elements like unauthorized access, intent to defraud, or causation of claimed damages. Our federal crimes defense team files aggressive motions challenging indictments that criminalize legitimate activities or rely on misunderstandings of technology.
Digital evidence often supports multiple interpretations, and prosecutors sometimes misunderstand or mischaracterize technical details. We expose these errors through expert testimony and detailed technical analysis showing that alleged crimes were actually authorized activities, legitimate business practices, or the result of security vulnerabilities rather than criminal hacking. When investigations reveal sloppy forensics, contaminated evidence, or improper attribution, dismissal becomes possible.
Negotiation makes sense when some wrongdoing occurred, but prosecution theories overreach or seek excessive punishment for minor violations. Federal prosecutors often charge numerous counts for single schemes, using each email or access as a separate violation to inflate potential sentences. Our extensive experience helps us evaluate whether plea offers accurately reflect actual culpability and whether more favorable terms are obtainable.
Many cyber cases involve young defendants or those with mental health issues who made poor decisions but don't deserve decades in prison. When clients can demonstrate rehabilitation, acceptance of responsibility, and lack of future danger, prosecutors may agree to reduced charges or alternative sentences. We negotiate for outcomes that avoid sex offender registration, preserve immigration status, and minimize impact on technology careers.
Trial becomes necessary when you're innocent, when constitutional issues require vindication, or when plea offers essentially equal trial risks. Our trial experience enables us to present complex technical evidence in a way that juries can understand. Federal criminal defense in cyber cases requires explaining complicated technology while maintaining jury engagement.
Some cyber prosecutions rest on aggressive interpretations that criminalize common online behavior or legitimate security research. Juries are increasingly understanding of technology and often sympathize with defendants caught in outdated laws or prosecutorial overreach. We present compelling narratives about clients' legitimate purposes, the government's misunderstanding of technology, and the danger of criminalizing innovation.
What makes cyber crimes federal instead of state charges?
Federal jurisdiction applies when crimes involve interstate communications, federal computer systems, or substantial damages. Most internet crimes automatically trigger federal jurisdiction.
Can I be prosecuted for accessing my own accounts?
Yes, if you exceed authorization or access accounts after termination of employment or relationships. Authorization is determined by agreements and policies, not ownership or previous access rights.
What is the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act?
The CFAA, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 1030, is the primary federal computer crime statute, criminalizing various forms of unauthorized access and computer damage.
How do investigators trace cyber crimes?
Law enforcement utilizes IP addresses, digital forensics, blockchain analysis, and cooperation from service providers to investigate cybercrimes. However, attribution remains challenging and often contestable.
Can ethical hacking lead to criminal charges?
Yes, even legitimate security research can trigger prosecution if conducted without proper authorization. The Electronic Frontier Foundation provides guidance on responsible disclosure.
When cybercrime charges threaten your freedom and future in technology, you need a California federal cybercrime lawyer who understands both the technical and legal complexities of these cases. Kenney Legal Defense combines three decades of criminal defense experience with the technical knowledge needed to challenge digital evidence and protect clients from aggressive federal prosecution. Attorney Karren Kenney's certification as a Fraud Examiner and extensive trial experience provide the skilled legal representation essential for fighting these serious charges. Contact us today at 714-418-4261 for a confidential consultation and count on our dedicated cyber crime lawyer team to protect your rights, challenge the government's technical evidence, and fight for your freedom against federal cyber crime allegations.
