What Are the Associated Penalties of Computer Crimes
When any crime falling under the types of cybercrime (computer crime) is committed, there is a wide variety of penalties that a criminal can be sentenced to, depending on the cybercrime laws in the jurisdiction in question. However, there are many factors to consider about the types of cybercrime and the cybercrime laws that apply. What was the cost of damages? Who or how many people were harmed? How was the victim violated and what do the cybercrime laws state about these violations? With the individual charges brought against the suspect, one must determine the individual penalties that he or she must adhere to in accordance with the applicable cybercrime laws.
For example, "computer fraud" is one of many types of cybercrimes that can be carried out and the penalties may depend on exactly what kind of computer fraud was committed based on cybercrime laws. Was it a high-profile case that involved Government officials, a big business, or millions in financial loss? Or was it just a simple case of an individual hacking into a friend's e-mail account? Was it his or her first offense? Or has this criminal been charged with other types of cybercrimes?
According to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, the penalties that come with the charges of computer fraud can start in the range of five thousand dollars, to an undetermined financial amount (depending on the damages) and the criminal can be sentenced to years of jail time.
However, in a case of a cybercrime that directly affects the safety of the victim, the penalties may be considerably more serious. A good example of this kind of case and cybercrime would involve cyberstalking. Depending on how aggressive the stalker is and if the victim was actually harmed, the penalties for this cybercrime can range from a restraining order, to a copious amount of probation time, to hefty fines, and even up to years of sentenced jail time. If the cyberstalking progresses into an extremely heinous crime (i.e. rape, murder, etc.), then it is almost definite that the convicted party will be sentenced to jail time and possibly the death penalty.
Cybercrimes are carried out everyday and are punished according to the State and its cybercrime laws (not to mention the types of cybercrimes that were carried out).
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