The internet age has brought a new and scarier form of criminals who are commonly called cybercriminals. These lawbreakers mostly comprise hackers whose sole purpose is to steal data, identity, or information from unwary victims and illegally use them through unauthorized access to computers, networks, and systems.
How Colorado Defines Computer Crimes
In Colorado, cybercrimes are known as computer crimes, which cover anything that involves the use of computers to conduct a criminal offense. This will include unauthorized access to a computer system or website, causing damage through the use of a computer, and committing theft using a computer. And take note that mobile phones and tablets are also considered computers for computer crimes. Ask a bail bond company for more information about computer crimes.
Common Types of Cybercrimes
Computer crimes may include activities such as phishing, hacking, identity theft, and the spreading of malware and viruses.
Real‑World Example: Identity Theft during the Pandemic
Let’s take, for example, an identity theft attack during the pandemic times in 2020. Mario was happy that he could finally get his family’s stimulus check to pay for their mortgage and probably use the leftover cash for their daily needs. However, upon logging in to the IRS website, he noticed that someone else had already filed their taxes using his identity and cashed out the full amount they were entitled to get. This stimulus check was meant to help people who were strapped up by the pandemic but were unfortunate victims of these cybercriminals. Contact an Adams County bondsman if your loved one has been accused of identity theft.
Colorado Penalties for Computer Crimes (C.R.S. 18‑5.5‑102)
Computer crimes or C.R.S. 18-5.5-102 in Colorado can fall into petty offense, misdemeanor, or felony, depending on the nature of the crime and the damage caused. To make it easier to understand where the offense may fall, here are the categories to determine the seriousness of the crime:
Petty Offense: Damage Under $300
Punishable by up to 10 days in jail and a penalty amounting to $300.
Class 2 Misdemeanor: $300–$999 Damage
Punishable by up to 120 days in jail and a penalty of $750
Class 1 Misdemeanor: $1,000–$1,999 Damage
Punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a penalty of $1,000
Class 6 Felony: $2,000–$4,999 Damage
Punishable by up to 1 year to 18 months in jail and a penalty of $1,000 to $100,000
Class 5 Felony: $5,000–$19,999 Damage
Punishable by up to 1 to 3 years in jail and a penalty of $1,000 to $100,000
Class 4 Felony: $20,000–$99,999 Damage
Punishable by up to 2 to 6 years in jail and a penalty of $2,000 to $500,000
Class 3 Felony: $100,000–$999,999 Damage
Punishable by up to 4 to 12 years in jail and a penalty of $3,000 to $750,000
Class 2 Felony: $1,000,000+ Damage
Punishable by up to 8 to 24 years in jail and a penalty of $5,000 to $1,000,000
Why Cybercrime Is Increasing in Today’s Digital World
As people nowadays are using computers and mobile phones for everything from email to mobile banking, cybercriminals are more aggressive and determined to steal important information for their illegal agenda. It is important to stay vigilant and practice good internet habits — take it from a bail bond company.
How an Adams County Bondsman Can Help After a Cybercrime Arrest
If your loved one has been accused of computer crime or any form of cybercrime, an Adams County bondsman like Lucky Lucero’s Bail Bonds can assist and walk you through the process of getting your loved one out of jail fast and safely at home. Call now!