The internet makes our lives easier by providing immediate access to information and materials. Unfortunately, this instant and seemingly anonymous access can be great a temptation for many men and women who struggle with sexual addiction and other issues.
Most people think of sex crimes as nonconsensual physical acts - rape, sexual battery, and child molestation, for example. However, there are many Oklahoma sex offenses that require no physical contact in order for a prosecutor to gain a conviction. Computer sex crimes are among these offenses.
Downloading or distributing child pornography, soliciting minors through use of technology, and sharing obscene materials with minors are a few of the ways a sex crime is perpetrated without ever meeting a victim face-to-face, much less touching him or her.
Many of our online interactions feel anonymous, and it is this perceived anonymity that makes it so easy for many to commit an act that they would not otherwise commit in person. Curiosity can lead a person to download or view illegal images. An innocent chat can suddenly take the wrong direction. When online activities cross the line, anyone who uses the computer or technology to commit an illegal act faces serious legal repercussions.
If you are facing computer sex crime charges, finding experienced legal counsel is critical to the preservation of your rights and the building of your defense. Your computer, storage devices, and mobile devices will likely be confiscated and searched. Even erased files, deleted browsing history, and other evidence may be recovered by forensic experts. However, a skillful attorney with a record of successful sex crime defense can offer effective strategies to bring your case to its best possible resolution.
the Law Firm of Oklahoma has helped countless individuals facing internet sex crime charges. We treat each client with respect, not judgment. Our job is to protect your constitutional rights, and we are dedicated to providing quality defense representation to every client who seeks our help.
Technology-assisted sex crimes are those which rely on computer networks, mobile technology, and other electronic or digital media. Whether downloading illegal materials on a computer to sending sexually explicit text messages to a minor, using technology to commit an illegal act can bring penalties that are separate and additional to those associated with the underlying offense.
The Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act Computer (21 O.S. 1958) makes it illegal to use a computer or network to commit any crime:
"No person shall communicate with, store data in, or retrieve data from a computer system or computer network for the purpose of using such access to violate any of the provisions of the Oklahoma Statutes."
Violation of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act is a felony punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
These penalties are in addition to any penalties of the underlying offense.
For example, possession of child pornography is punishable by 10 to 30 years in prison, unless the victim is under the age of 12, in which case it is punishable by 25 years to life. However, if the defendant uses a computer to knowingly download child pornography, then he or she is also guilty of violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act and faces an additional five years in prison.
The most commonly prosecuted internet sex crimes include:
Parents tend to believe there is a child predator lurking behind every computer monitor. While there are certainly pedophiles who prey on children, many people accused of computer sex crimes simply get caught up in an activity, such as viewing pornography or chatting in forums, and slowly take that activity too far.
Computer sex crime charges can destroy lives, but there are several defense strategies which can minimize the impact of an accusation, possibly leading to dismissal of the charges or acquittal at trial.
Contact the Law Firm of Oklahoma for more information.
Using a computer or technology to perpetrate a sex offense may be more than just an Oklahoma crime. The Federal government takes jurisdiction over certain computer sex crimes, and an investigation may be the result of the coordination of several federal agencies.
Among the federal acts pertaining to computer sex crimes are those designed to protect children from online predators and those intended to restrict computer access by convicted and incarcerated sex offenders. Read more about these laws by following the links below:
If you have been accused of committing a sex crime via electronic or digital technology, do not talk about your case with anyone except your attorney. Police and prosecutors may manipulate your words to indicate guilt, and friends, family, and co-workers may be subpoenaed to testify against you.
Call us to discuss your case and how we may be able to help you fight your charge. Your initial consultation is free and confidential - there is no risk to you. Call (405) 608-4990 or submit the form on this page for a free case review.
