More and more people are caught up in situations where they are accused of criminal activity that takes place over the Internet. Federal agents and local police departments now have specialized units that prowl the Internet, trying to find predators or lure potential suspects into acts that result in criminal prosecutions. Internet crimes can run the gamut from sex crimes or drug offenses to white collar fraud and identity theft.

Sex Crimes

In the past, sex crimes involved allegations about the activities of two people in the same physical place. The Internet has changed much about the way that sex crimes are investigated or prosecuted. The press frequently reports stories about people prosecuted for downloading or sending child pornography, soliciting minors for sex, or traveling in interstate commerce to engage in illegal sexual activity. Television programs regularly portray these investigations.

Online Pharmacies and Drug Sales

The Internet has also provided new avenues of prosecution for drug offenses, as the federal government has targeted online pharmacies and persons who use the Internet to distribute prescription medications and other drugs. Recent federal Internet drug sale laws make it illegal to distribute controlled substances that are prescription drugs over the Internet without a "valid prescription" or to advertise for such distribution. Because the Internet is involved, many federal prosecutions include wire fraud charges where white-collar fraud is alleged.

Many cases involving the Internet are prosecuted in the federal court system, but some may be brought by states, as well. In federal prosecutions, The Protect Act and the Adam Walsh Act have created extraordinarily severe penalties for certain Internet crimes. No matter what court system is involved, many Internet crimes result in massive publicity.

Internet crimes require specific and very creative defense strategies. Perhaps even more importantly, the lawyer needs to recognize the toll such accusations place upon the client and his family and loved ones. Paul Kish and Carl Lietz have handled many of these difficult cases. We recognize that each person charged in such prosecutions needs a vigorous advocate who will try to understand what happened, who knows the law, and who is willing to use creative, and if needed, aggressive strategies to help solve the case. Feel free to call us at (404) 588-3991 or contact us online.