Hacking is defined as any act of accessing a computer or computer network without the permission of the owner. In some cases, hacking requires breaking firewalls or password protections to gain access. In other cases, a person can hack into a computer that has little or no defense. Even if there are no defenses to “break”, simply gaining access to a computer and its information qualifies as criminal hacking.

The intention to hack

To be found guilty of hacking, it must be proven that the defendant knowingly gained access to a computer with the intent to violate it without permission. Sometimes people, particularly computer literate teens, access a computer or network just to show they can. They can show off their achievement afterwards, using the hack to show off their computer skills. Although there may have been no intent to steal or defraud the hacked system, the accused can still be criminally charged.

Criminal charges

When a person is arrested in Florida for piracy, they will be charged with a felony. If the defendant accessed a computer system without authorization but did not intend to steal or defraud, he will be charged with a third degree felony. However, if the hacker broke into the system and planned to defraud the owner of money or information, he will be charged with a second degree felony. Past hacking offenses have included attempts to steal credit card information, social security numbers, or confidential company or government information.

Penalties for piracy

Hacking is considered a major threat to company integrity, government confidentiality, and personal safety. Therefore, he is aggressively prosecuted in a court of law. Under Florida law, a third degree felony for hacking can result in a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and up to $ 5,000 in fines. For a crime of hacking involving theft or fraudulent activity, the defendant could be punished with up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $ 10,000.

Beyond immediate court-ordered penalties, a hacking crime can destroy a person’s personal and professional reputation. He or she may have trouble applying to college, getting scholarships, finding a job, or getting a loan. Even many years after your conviction, you could still be adversely affected by your felony hacking charge.

For more information

If you have been arrested for hacking, consider contacting a criminal defense attorney to defend your case. For more information on hacking charges and preparing a defense for court, visit the website of West Palm Beach’s Experienced Criminal Lawyers Eric N. Klein and Associates, PA today.