Computer Fraud and Unauthorized Access (Penal Code § 502 / 18 U.S.C. § 1030)

California Penal Code 502 prohibits unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, and data. The federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) under 18 U.S.C. § 1030 carries penalties of up to 10 years per count for first-time offenders and up to 20 years for repeat offenses. These charges arise in the context of hacking, unauthorized access to employer systems, accessing a former partner’s accounts, and corporate espionage cases. Our firm challenges the definition of authorization and the government’s characterization of access as unauthorized in every case.

Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343)

Wire fraud is one of the most broadly charged federal statutes and covers any scheme to defraud that uses electronic communications including email, text messages, websites, and wire transfers. Each communication in furtherance of the alleged scheme is charged as a separate count, meaning total sentencing exposure can reach decades. Our firm challenges both the existence of the alleged scheme and the government’s characterization of ordinary business communications as fraudulent.

Identity Theft and Online Fraud (Penal Code § 530.5 / 18 U.S.C. § 1028)

Online identity theft involves using another person’s personal information through digital channels for fraudulent purposes. Federal aggravated identity theft under 18 U.S.C. § 1028A carries a mandatory consecutive 2-year sentence on top of the underlying offense. California identity theft is a wobbler carrying up to 3 years in state prison for a felony conviction. Our firm challenges authorization, knowledge, and intent in every identity theft case.

Internet Sex Crimes and Online Solicitation (Penal Code § 288.2 / § 288.4)

Law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles conduct regular undercover operations targeting online solicitation of minors, distribution of harmful material, and child exploitation offenses. Federal child pornography charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2252 carry mandatory minimum sentences of 5 to 20 years. Our firm defends internet sex crime charges through Fourth Amendment suppression of digital evidence and challenges to the government’s identification of the defendant as the user of the devices or accounts at issue.

Cyberstalking and Online Harassment (Penal Code § 646.9 / 18 U.S.C. § 2261A)

California cyberstalking under Penal Code 646.9 is a wobbler offense carrying up to 5 years in state prison for a felony conviction. Federal cyberstalking under 18 U.S.C. § 2261A carries up to 5 years per count with enhanced penalties when the offense results in serious bodily injury or death. Our firm challenges the intent element and the prosecution’s characterization of online communications as threatening or harassing conduct.

Revenge Porn (Penal Code § 647(j)(4))

Distributing intimate images of another person without consent and with intent to cause distress is a misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony upon a second conviction or when the victim is a minor. Our firm defends revenge porn charges by challenging the intent element and the prosecution’s evidence that distribution was without the alleged victim’s consent.

Hacking and Data Breach Offenses

State and federal prosecutors pursue data breach and hacking cases aggressively, particularly when corporate systems, financial institutions, or government networks are involved. These cases frequently combine CFAA charges with wire fraud, identity theft, and conspiracy counts that compound sentencing exposure significantly. Our firm challenges both the technical evidence underlying hacking allegations and the government’s attribution of the conduct to the defendant.