Computer Crimes (Hacking, Cyberstalking, Online Fraud)

Computer Crimes in Atlanta, Georgia: Hacking, Cyberstalking, & Online Fraud (OCGA § 16-9-90 et seq.)

Understanding Computer Crimes in Georgia

Computer crimes, including hacking, cyberstalking, and online fraud, have become increasingly common and aggressively prosecuted under Georgia’s Computer Systems Protection Act (OCGA § 16-9-90 et seq.). These offenses can range from unauthorized access to computer systems to online harassment, identity theft, and financial fraud.

Many computer crimes carry felony penalties, including:

Long-term imprisonment
Steep fines
Federal prosecution if interstate communications are involved

At Khalil Eaddy Trial Attorney, our firm provides aggressive and strategic defense for individuals facing computer crime charges in Atlanta, Georgia. Many cases involve:

Mistaken identity
Unlawful search and seizure
Insufficient digital evidence

It is essential to challenge the prosecution’s claims with a strong legal defense.

1. Identity Theft in Atlanta, Georgia (OCGA § 16-9-120 et seq.)

Definition:

Identity theft occurs when a person uses, transfers, or possesses another individual’s personal or financial information without their consent to commit fraud.

Key Elements of Identity Theft:

Using someone’s personal information without authorization.
Intent to obtain financial benefits, make purchases, or commit fraud.
Possessing identity-related documents (Social Security numbers, bank account details, credit card numbers, etc.) without consent.

Examples of Identity Theft:

Using stolen credit card details to make unauthorized purchases.
Applying for loans or government benefits using someone else’s personal information.
Hacking into online accounts to transfer funds or commit fraud.
Creating fake identification documents to impersonate another person.

Penalties for Identity Theft (OCGA § 16-9-126):

Offense	Penalty
First Offense	Felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $100,000
Second or Subsequent Offense	Felony, punishable by 3 to 15 years in prison and fines up to $250,000
Restitution	Convicted individuals may be ordered to pay restitution to victims for financial losses

Federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service, may get involved in large-scale identity theft cases, increasing the likelihood of federal charges and harsher sentencing.

1. Hacking & Unauthorized Access in Atlanta, Georgia (OCGA § 16-9-93)

Definition:

Hacking, or unauthorized computer access, occurs when a person gains access to a computer system, network, or data without permission.

Key Elements of Hacking Charges:

Accessing a computer, network, or data without authorization
Intentionally altering, deleting, or stealing information
Using malware, phishing, or unauthorized software to bypass security controls

Examples of Hacking Crimes:

Unauthorized access to a business or government database
Installing malware or keyloggers to steal information
Bypassing password protection to access private files

Penalties for Hacking (OCGA § 16-9-93):

Offense	Charge	Penalty
Unauthorized Access (No Damage or Theft)	Misdemeanor	Up to 12 months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine
Intent to Commit Theft or Fraud	Felony	1 to 15 years in prison and fines up to $50,000
Hacking a Government or Critical Infrastructure System	Felony	Up to 25 years in prison

Hacking cases often involve digital forensics, server logs, and IP address tracking, which can be flawed or misinterpreted. Our firm works to challenge digital evidence, expose weak cybersecurity practices, and fight for case dismissals or reduced charges.

2. Cyberstalking & Online Harassment in Atlanta, Georgia (OCGA § 16-11-39.1 & OCGA § 16-5-90)

Definition:

Cyberstalking involves using electronic communication to harass, threaten, or intimidate another person. This includes:
- Sending unwanted messages
- Posting harmful content online
- Using social media to instill fear

Key Elements of Cyberstalking:

Repeated electronic communication (emails, texts, social media, etc.)
Threats, harassment, or intimidation that causes emotional distress
Creating fake accounts to monitor or impersonate someone online

Examples of Cyberstalking Crimes:

Sending repeated threats or harassing messages via email or text
Doxxing (publishing private or identifying information about someone online)
Using GPS tracking or spyware to monitor someone’s digital activity

Penalties for Cyberstalking (OCGA § 16-11-39.1):

Offense	Charge	Penalty
First Offense	Misdemeanor	Up to 12 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine
Second or Subsequent Offense	Felony	1 to 10 years in prison and steep fines

Cyberstalking charges can be based on misinterpretations of messages, false accusations, or exaggerated claims. Our firm works to challenge the credibility of accusers, analyze digital communication records, and fight for case dismissals.

3. Online Fraud & Identity Theft in Atlanta, Georgia (OCGA § 16-9-121 & OCGA § 16-9-93.1)

Definition:

Online fraud refers to using the internet to commit financial or deceptive crimes, including phishing, credit card fraud, and digital scams.

Key Elements of Online Fraud:

Using false information to obtain money, goods, or services online
Stealing or misusing financial data, such as credit card or banking information
Creating fake websites, online stores, or accounts to deceive victims

Examples of Online Fraud Crimes:

Phishing scams that steal passwords and personal information
Selling counterfeit goods or non-existent items online
Using stolen credit card information for purchases

Penalties for Online Fraud (OCGA § 16-9-121):

Offense	Charge	Penalty
First Offense	Felony	1 to 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $100,000
Multiple or Large-Scale Offenses	Felony	3 to 15 years in prison and fines up to $250,000

Online fraud cases often involve digital forensic investigations, banking records, and IP tracking, which can be challenged in court if law enforcement violated privacy rights or relied on weak evidence.

4. Federal Computer Crime Charges

Many computer crimes are prosecuted at the federal level, especially if they involve:

Hacking government or corporate databases
Interstate online fraud or identity theft
Cyberstalking across state lines

Federal computer crime charges carry harsher penalties, including:

Mandatory minimum sentences
Fines up to $1,000,000

Our firm provides experienced defense against federal cybercrime allegations, focusing on:

Constitutional violations
Procedural errors
Forensic flaws

5. Defending Against Computer Crime Charges in Atlanta, Georgia

Computer crime cases are often complex, relying heavily on:

Digital evidence
Online communications
Expert testimony

A strong legal defense can challenge weak evidence and prevent wrongful convictions.

Common Defenses Against Computer Crime Charges:

Lack of Intent: The accused did not knowingly commit fraud or hacking.
Unauthorized Access Was Accidental: The accused had permission to access the system or unknowingly entered a restricted area.
Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the crime.
Entrapment: Law enforcement tricked or coerced the accused into committing a crime.
Mistaken Identity: The accused’s IP address or online identity was misused or spoofed by another party.

Cybercrime cases often involve complex digital forensics, which can be misinterpreted or manipulated. Our firm works with:

IT security experts
Forensic analysts
Data specialists

to challenge the validity of digital evidence and uncover investigative flaws.

Why Choose Khalil Eaddy Trial Attorney?

Computer crimes carry severe legal consequences, including:

Lengthy prison sentences
Financial ruin
Permanent damage to reputations

Our firm specializes in cybercrime defense, providing aggressive legal representation for individuals accused of:

Hacking
Cyberstalking
Online fraud
Identity theft

Call 770-303-0700 today for a confidential consultation and start building your defense.