Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyers Blog

The consequences of cyberbullying charges

Published on: August 11, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

We have covered many different topics related to cybercrime charges and in this post, we will take a closer look at some of the consequences people may face when they are charged with cyberbullying. To some people, these charges may not seem so serious. After all, some people may have difficulty understanding which types of behavior constitute cyberbullying and they may have no idea that these allegations can result in serious repercussions. If you have been charged with cyberbullying, it is pivotal to have a good understanding of the appropriate course of action.

For starters, those charged with cyberbullying may face financial penalties. Moreover, they could have to spend time behind bars. However, the potential ramifications of these charges extend beyond these penalties. In some instances, a student may face disciplinary action at his or her school as a result of cyberbullying allegations. Moreover, these charges can bring on an incredible amount of damage to one’s reputation. In cases involving young people, for example, the reputation of the parents may even be tarnished.

These charges should not be taken lightly and the laws vary from state to state. As a result, it is crucial to know how you are going to handle this situation in the event that you or your child have been charged with cyberbullying or another online offense, such as cyberstalking. Our cybercrimes page covers other topics that are closely related to cyberbullying charges, so feel free to take a look and review more information on this practice area.

False accusations involving unlawful pornography

Published on: August 3, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Cybercrime charges can be incredibly damaging and in the digital era, these allegations take all sorts of forms. While some may falsely assume that crimes which are carried out over the internet are not punished very severely, these charges can completely shatter a person’s future. Worse, some are falsely accused of an internet offense altogether. From theft to stalking and bullying, there are many different types of online crime charges people have to face. In this post, we will examine those which involve unlawful pornographic material.

There are different types of pornographic material which are against the law to possess. For example, pornographic material which involves someone who is under the age of 18 is against the law, but this is not the only way in which someone may find themselves in trouble over pornography. Someone who shares images and video footage of their former partner without their consent may find themselves in court over laws related to revenge porn.

Sometimes, people are falsely accused of online offenses involving pornography. For example, someone may have unlawful pornography planted on their computer or the claims may be fabricated altogether. With the internet, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly who is responsible for a certain behavior and this can be problematic when it comes to online crime. Some people who have been wrongly accused of an internet offense have had their entire life turned into chaos and their reputation damaged beyond redemption. Our cybercrime section has more related to handling false online crime allegations.

Handling immigration-related charges

Published on: July 28, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Federal offenses take all sorts of forms, whether they involve unlawful substances or are financial in nature. In recent months, however, a considerable amount of attention has shifted toward immigration violations and these charges can be extremely difficult for a variety of reasons. Some people may not be aware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to immigration laws, while others may be afraid of the potential consequences of an unsuccessful outcome. For example, they may have to leave the country, which could separate them from their loved ones or spell disaster for a career that they have worked hard to build.

There are a number of reasons why people find themselves facing charges related to immigration violations. From issues involving a visa to illegally entering the country, people find themselves in this tough position over various allegations. However, immigration violations should be approached from the right angle and with so much at stake, those who are facing charges should do all they can to put their best foot forward. Moreover, each case is different and there may be certain details surrounding one which could significantly impact the outcome in court.

If you are facing charges over an immigration violation, we fully understand how much pressure you may be under. Sometimes, people feel hopeless when they are in this position and think that no matter what they do, the outcome will be disastrous. However, this is not always the case and our federal crimes section has more related to immigration violations.

Is it tax fraud or a mistake?

Published on: July 25, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Each year, everyone must file income taxes with the Internal Revenue Service. Tax codes are complex, and may cause some Georgians to question whether their taxes are correct. Individuals are responsible for approximately 75 percent of the country’s tax fraud.

Tax fraud can result in felony charges, steep fines and jail time. Everyone should understand what the government considers tax fraud to clearly distinguish an honest mistake from a criminal offense. What constitutes tax fraud?

Knowingly evading taxes

Cryptocurrency and cybercrime charges

Published on: July 20, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

The digital era has transformed the way in which people live and work, from social media to online shopping and much more. Moreover, cryptocurrency has become especially popular in recent years and many people have tried to grow their wealth through investments in various cryptocurrency coins. However, there are a number of things to be aware of with cryptocurrency. Aside from the risks associated with investing, some people may also find themselves accused of an offense related to cryptocurrencies, such as tax fraud or allegations of hacking and theft.

Some people may assume that offenses carried out over the internet are not punished as severely as those which are “offline.” However, the consequences of an online offense, including those which involve cryptocurrency, can be staggering. Time behind bars, a damaged reputation and steep financial penalties are some of the ramifications that people accused of these offenses may face. Moreover, someone in this position may be unable to ever find a job in a certain field due to their record.

Some people are falsely accused of online offenses, while others did not realize that their behavior violated the law. For example, some people may not have been aware that they were required to pay taxes on gains from cryptocurrency investments. If you have been accused of a cybercrime that involves cryptocurrency or any other facet of technology, it is important to be prepared for what your future may hold. The cybercrime page on our website has more related to offenses involving cryptocurrency.

When your company accuses you of a cybercrime

Published on: July 14, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

We have covered many different cybercrime charges that people face and no two cases are the same. In fact, some people may even find themselves facing these charges because their employer decided to take legal action against them over an alleged cybercrime, regardless of whether they were responsible for the offense. Moreover, people who work in certain fields, such as information technology, may be even more likely to find themselves in this tough situation. If your employer has accused you of an internet offense, you should immediately go over your options and figure out the best way to move forward.

There are all sorts of reasons why you may be accused of a cybercrime by a current or past employer. For example, maybe you were fired and accused of being a disgruntled worker who took out frustrations on the company. Or, perhaps you recently launched your own business and someone you used to work for is accusing you of stealing data from the company. Moreover, a worker may find themselves accused of stealing from company accounts for personal gain. There are many more reasons why employees face cybercrime charges and all of these cases should be taken seriously.

Cybercrime charges could have a major impact on your life in the present and years down the road as well. Not only could you risk career problems, but you might have to spend time behind bars and experience other consequences. Our cybercrime section has more information related to allegations of an online offense.

How can you stay safe from common cybercrimes?

Published on: July 10, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

You have a down moment at work and decide to jump on Facebook to check out what your friends have been up to recently. However, much to your surprise, your password is no longer working. You have been hacked and some criminal has gotten a hold of your password and changed it, thus circumventing your security and gaining access to your personal information. What is more concerning, is that you do not know where this person is or if they have jeopardized your security elsewhere too. Fortunately, there are things you can take to keep yourself safe from common cybercrimes that happen in Georgia.

According to Norton, there are many different types of cybercrime including the following:

Bullying

Firearms convictions often come with mandatory minimum sentences

Published on: July 4, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Although Georgia has its own state laws regarding the purchase of firearms, how they can be carried and how people can use them within the state, federal laws often apply when a person faces weapons charges. According to the United States Sentencing Commission, federal firearms convictions often result in mandatory minimum prison sentences.

“Mandatory minimum” means that even though judges often have discretion in determining a sentence, they cannot issue a judgment for less than the set amount for that particular firearms offense.

Anyone who commits a drug trafficking crime or a crime of violence and is carrying a firearm could be subject to a five-year minimum sentence. If the prosecutor proves to the judge or jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the alleged offender brandished the weapon, the minimum goes up to seven years, and it increases to 10 years if the offender discharged the weapon. The type of firearm affects the sentence, too. The following firearms automatically result in a 10-year sentence:

Peer pressure and drug charges as a teen

Published on: July 1, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

If you are in high school or college, or you are a young person who is surrounded by friends who like to party or push the limits, it is very important to be aware of some of the risks you may face. Aside from being hurt in a car accident, there are other ways you may suffer. For example, if your friends consume illegal drugs, you could find yourself in trouble if they are pulled over or searched by a law enforcement official. In fact, you could find yourself facing drug-related charges even if you were not taking drugs or directly participating in the unlawful behavior.

For example, your friends could call you and ask you to give them a ride. After driving them home, you may not know that they left behind illegal substances in your vehicle, which could spell disaster if your car is searched by a law enforcement official. Moreover, many teens do things solely because of peer pressure and the need to fit in. From taking illegal drugs to possessing or selling unlawful substances, peer pressure can push young people to do a number of things they normally would avoid.

It is also important to be aware of peer pressure if you are a parent. Many young people have had their lives thrown off-course due to drug charges and these cases need to be handled properly. Head over to our law firm’s section which covers drug crimes if you are interested in reading more about drug offense consequences.

CEO and former President of Theranos indicted on fraud charges

Published on: June 29, 2018 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

A big-name company is under fire after claims arose that they have been defrauding investors out of millions. Elizabeth Holmes, who serves as the CEO and founder of Theranos, is one of the people at that center of the charges. Standing by her side is the company’s former president, Ramesh Balwani. The two have been accused of securing investments under false pretenses for the purposes of growing their blood testing technology.

Here’s a look at the accusations and the strategies they plan on using to combat the charges.

The Justice Department’s allegations against Holmes And Balwani