Virtually everyone uses technology, computers, and the Internet in one way or another. Unfortunately, technology is imperfect. Criminals have infiltrated the Internet and taken crime online. For this reason, Indiana’s Computer Crimes Act is designed to protect victims of cybercrime and hold cybercriminals accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Here is more about some of the cybercrimes the Computer Act protects against and when your criminal charges can be elevated to the federal level.
Cybercrimes the Computer Crimes Act Protects Against
The Computer Crimes Act in Indiana under Indiana Code § 35-43-1-8 describes the various types of cybercrimes perpetrators can be charged with and the penalties that come with a conviction. Here are some examples of cybercrimes included in the statute:
- Computer trespassing under SB 159 – You can face criminal charges for computer trespassing if you access someone else’s computer systems or network without their consent.
- Cyberstalking under Indiana Code § 35-45-2-2 – You could face charges for cyberstalking if you use any type of electronic communication to intimidate, threaten, or harass someone.
- Hacking under Indiana Code § 35-43-2-3 – Hacking involves accessing computer networks or systems unlawfully intending to steal sensitive information or damage confidential data.
- Identity theft under Indiana Code § 35-43-5-3.5 – You can be charged with identity theft if you are accused of taking someone else’s personal information and using it for fraudulent purposes without their consent.
- Phishing under Indiana Code § 35-43-5-4 – Phishing charges may apply if you are accused of using a fake website, email, or text to trick someone into giving you their sensitive personal information.
Indiana Cybercrime Laws You Need to Know
In addition to the Computer Crimes Act, there are several other cybercrime laws that could have an impact on the criminal charges against you. Some of the key legislation regulating cybercrimes includes:
- Online harassment statutes – These laws prohibit the use of electronic communication platforms to alarm, threaten, annoy, harass, or intimidate someone else.
- Revenge porn laws under Indiana Code 35-45-4-8 – These laws prohibit the sharing of intimate videos or images without obtaining consent.
- The data breach notification act under Indiana Code § 24-4.9-3-1 – This statute requires companies to notify individuals if their personal information has been affected in a data breach.
- The identity deception statute – This statute prohibits the impersonation of another party online with the intent of committing a crime or harming them.
You Could Also Be Facing Federal Cybercrime Charges
There are some instances in which your cybercrime charges could be elevated to a federal offense. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is responsible for handling investigations and prosecutions into cybercrimes at the federal level. Violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) or the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) may be prosecuted at the federal level. If convicted, you could spend years in a federal prison facility and pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.
Cybercrimes Are Not Victimless
Victims of cybercrimes may not suffer serious bodily injury or death, but that does not mean their lives have not been significantly affected. Cybercrime victims often struggle to cope with the aftermath of having their identities stolen, being hacked, or dealing with cyberstalking. It is not only extreme financial losses, but trauma and distress that can continue to affect victims’ lives for decades after the crime has been committed. For this reason, the Indiana criminal justice system takes cybercrimes seriously and imposes harsh criminal penalties for those convicted.