What Are Computer Crimes in Georgia?
Computer crimes in Georgia encompass illegal activities involving computers, networks, and digital data that violate the Georgia Computer Systems Protection Act (O.C.G.A. § 16-9-90 et seq.). These offenses range from unauthorized system access to sophisticated cyber fraud schemes that can devastate both individuals and businesses.
Understanding these laws matters because violations carry severe penalties, including substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences. For businesses, a single breach can trigger criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits for damages. The Frye Law Group has extensive experience defending clients against computer crime charges, helping navigate the complex intersection of technology and criminal law. Georgia’s computer crime statutes continue to evolve as technology advances, making skilled legal representation essential for anyone facing these charges.
Examples and Penalties for Computer Crimes in Georgia
Georgia law recognizes several categories of computer crimes, each carrying significant criminal penalties and potential civil liability.
- Unauthorized Access (Computer Trespass) – Knowingly accessing a computer or network without authorization to delete, alter, or obstruct data, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and $50,000 in fines
- Hacking and Phishing – Using deceptive methods to gain system access or steal login credentials, often prosecuted as computer forgery or theft, with penalties reaching 15 years imprisonment
- Data Theft and Tampering – Unlawfully taking, transferring, or altering digital information, including trade secrets or financial records, carries fines up to $100,000 and 15-year prison terms
- Cyber Fraud (Computer Forgery) – Creating or altering digital documents to commit fraud, punishable by 1-15 years in prison, depending on the scope of the scheme
- Identity Theft via Computer Systems – Accessing personal data without consent to assume another’s identity, treated as a felony with penalties of 1-10 years imprisonment and fines up to $100,000
Investigation and Defense Representation
Computer crime cases require specialized defense strategies that address the technical complexities of digital evidence and the aggressive prosecution tactics often employed by Georgia authorities. Unlike traditional criminal cases, these investigations involve forensic analysis of servers, networks, and digital footprints that prosecutors use to establish intent and quantify damages.
Early legal representation proves critical when facing computer crime allegations. An experienced attorney can challenge the chain of custody for digital evidence and question the methods used to collect electronic data. The prosecution must prove both unauthorized access and criminal intent, creating opportunities for strategic defense.
The technical nature of computer crimes demands attorneys who understand cybersecurity, digital forensics, and evolving case law. Frye Law Group combines technological knowledge with criminal defense expertise to protect clients’ rights throughout investigations and trials. Many computer crime cases involve parallel civil proceedings, making comprehensive legal representation essential to protect against criminal penalties and financial liability.