Internet Crimes
Attorney Nicole Knox is at the forefront in defending clients accused of internet crimes, which involve unique legal issues. She is well-versed in electronic privacy issues and other matters that pertain specifically to internet crimes, and she will forcefully protect your constitutional rights. Evidence in these cases may include:
- Emails
- Communications made via social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter
- Chat room transcripts
There actually is no updated federal law that clearly states when emails and other online communications are private and protected. If an internet crimes case involves this type of evidence, there may be an opportunity to challenge it based on potential Fourth Amendment grounds and other constitutional rights violations.
Ms. Knox knows and understands the precedents set by the U.S. Supreme Court and the laws passed by Congress on these issues, and she will seize any opportunity to attack this type of evidence. She is skilled at poring over complicated electronic evidence and finding the weaknesses as she builds a sound criminal defense strategy.
Internet-related White-Collar Crimes Such as Fraud and Identify Theft
There are a number of internet crimes for identity theft charges, including:
- False use of credit cards
- Cyber scams and phishing
- Medical identify theft (Using another’s identity to obtain medical care or drugs)
- Child identity theft (Claiming rights to a minor for personal gain)
These cases need to be treated with care. It is important to get help from an experienced attorney early on.
Remember, you have the right to seek legal representation during an identity theft investigation, even if no charges have been filed. Ms. Knox can represent you during a formal or informal investigation and may be able to resolve the issues before official charges are filed.
Internet Sex Crimes Such as Solicitation of a Minor and Child Pornography
There are serious penalties associated with internet sex crimes, including:
- Prison time
- Fines
- Requirement to register as a sex offender
Read more about these cases in Sex Crimes.
Online Impersonation
It is against the law to pretend to be someone else online, without their permission, with the intent to harm, defraud or intimidate or threaten the person being impersonated – or another individual. Text messages are included in this prohibition. This means you could face charges for creating a website or social media profile with harmful intentions under someone else’s name.
Intent often is a major issue in these cases. There also is the issue of access that may be given to a person to operate a website or social media accounts for someone else. If you are accused of internet crime of online impersonation, you need an attorney who understands this evolving field and has the expertise to challenge the evidence brought against you.
Online Sale of Prescription Drugs and Other Controlled Substances
This is an evolving area of the law.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) are not always on the same page, and these agencies frequently prosecute individuals even when what those people are accused of doing is not actually a crime yet, but simply activities that the authorities hope someday will be outlawed. You may have been charged with something that pushes the law, but is not actually illegal, and your lawyer must know how to deal with this. Ms. Knox confidently defends against these new and unique charges.
She defends owners of pharmaceutical websites, as well as all parties involved in the online sale and distribution of prescription drugs such as:
- Oxycontin
- Xanax
- Sleeping pills
Even if you have only been contacted by the FDA, the DEA or another law enforcement agency but not charged, Ms. Knox can ensure that your rights are protected. She also can offer legal guidance on how you can make certain that your business follows existing laws.
Online Stalking and Harassment
With the advent of the internet, chat rooms and social networking sites, online stalking and harassment allegations have increased significantly. Online stalking and harassment refers to the use of the internet to stalk or harass an individual, a group or an organization. Online stalking generally involves a repeated pattern of harassing behavior. Examples of internet crimes for online stalking and harassment include:
- Using social networking sites to spread rumors
- Sending harassing emails
- Posting derogatory remarks
Since sophisticated equipment and tactics are often used, innocent people end up being accused of online stalking and harassment. There also is the issue of what constitutes harassment. If you or someone you know has been accused of an online crime, you need an attorney who has the background and capability to understand and attack the complicated issues in internet crimes.
