Internet Crimes

For a few years until 2013, people who wanted to buy or sell drugs illegally on the Internet frequently found their way to a network known as the "Silk Road." The network, which has been referred to as a "darknet" because of its efforts to conceal the identities and the transactions of its users, came under intense scrutiny from federal government prosecutors who traced its activities across the country. Their efforts effectively degraded if not closed down the network, at least temporarily, and culminated with the recent conviction in federal court of its creator, Ross Ulbricht.

Most alleged Internet crimes are based on some form of financial fraud or related to a sex or pornography charge or stalking. Hacking can cause many types of angst, embarrassment and inconvenience to its targets. But rarely do you hear of someone dying as a result of Internet hacking.

Stalking behaviors by one person directed at another are nothing new. The motivation may be anger, unrequited romantic interest, jealousy or other reasons.  But actions such as following a person, attempting to interact with a person or communicating with others about that person in a harmful manner is frequently illegal.

There was a time not that long ago when computers and the Internet were seen as tools to assist businesses to operate in a faster, more efficient and organized manner. The Internet was seen as an aid to students researching a topic and to help ordinary people expand their knowledge.

Internet crimes were relatively rare several years ago. However, now Internet crimes can be committed from the convenience of a person's home and can happen at the international or interstate levels. Even activities that seem innocent in New Jersey may bring serious penalties from various jurisdictions, including multiple states along with the federal government.

If you have been charged with an Internet crime, it is wise to seek legal advice whether you are an individual or a business. Our attorneys can represent not just individuals but also businesses of all sizes. These include from small shops to Fortune 100 companies.