Computer & Internet Crimes in Atlanta
Facing Digital Crime Allegations? Put a Former Judge’s Perspective to Work
Computer and internet crime allegations often turn on details that aren’t obvious from an account record, device search, or message thread. Investigators may focus on who controlled an account, whether access was authorized, what the person intended, and how electronic evidence was obtained.
You may need legal guidance after investigators contact you, serve a warrant, make an arrest, secure an indictment, or file charges. Because online activity can cross jurisdictional lines, your case may involve Georgia law, federal law, or both. At Wakhisi-Douglas, we defend clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges. We assess the allegations, procedural history, and available records before developing a case-specific strategy informed by our founder’s prior experience as a judge.
Call (762) 722-0248 for a free consultation about an Atlanta computer or internet crime investigation or charge. Remote consultations are available.
Computer Crime Allegations Under Georgia Law
The Georgia Computer Systems Protection Act addresses several forms of prohibited activity under O.C.G.A. § 16-9-93. The elements and potential consequences depend on the charged offense, the alleged conduct, and the evidence connecting a person to that conduct.
Computer-related allegations may include:
- Computer theft: Allegedly using a computer or network with knowledge that the use is unauthorized and with the intent to take or appropriate property.
- Computer trespass: Allegedly using a system without authority and with the intent to delete, obstruct, interrupt, or alter data or computer services.
- Computer invasion of privacy: Allegedly accessing certain data without authority and with the intent to examine personal information.
- Computer forgery: Allegedly creating, altering, or deleting data so it will be treated as authentic for a fraudulent purpose.
- Computer password disclosure: Allegedly disclosing a password or another means of access to a computer or network, knowing the disclosure is unauthorized, in a manner that causes more than $500 in damage to the network’s owner.
Related allegations may involve unauthorized access, identity theft, phishing, online fraud, cyberstalking, harassment, malware, ransomware, intellectual-property theft, or misuse of an employer’s systems. Business email compromise, for example, generally involves using a compromised or deceptive email account to facilitate fraud. The facts may also overlap with white-collar charges, privacy offenses, stalking, sex crimes, or other criminal allegations.
Cases centered on child pornography or online solicitation involve distinct sex-crime laws and evidentiary questions. They require analysis specific to the alleged conduct and shouldn’t be treated as ordinary unauthorized-access cases.
When State & Federal Authorities May Be Involved
Online conduct may attract state and federal attention when communications, affected systems, alleged victims, or investigative agencies cross state lines. Federal jurisdiction can affect the investigating authorities, charging process, court procedures, and potential exposure. The applicable framework depends on the alleged activity and the statutes prosecutors identify.
The Northern District of Georgia has a Complex Frauds & Cybercrime section within its Criminal Division. Its stated enforcement areas include computer intrusions, business email compromises, ransomware, Dark Web offenses, national-security cyberattacks, and intellectual-property theft. Identifying the agencies involved and whether the case is proceeding in state court, federal court, or through parallel investigations is an important early step.
Prepared Criminal Defense Informed by Judicial Experience
Founded in 2010 by a former judge, our firm combines judicial perspective with careful preparation and strong trial advocacy. We examine what the government must prove, how investigators gathered the evidence, and whether the available records support the prosecution’s interpretation. When litigation is necessary, we’re prepared to challenge disputed legal and evidentiary issues in court.
What Digital Evidence Can & Can’t Establish
Digital evidence can include device contents, messages, login records, account histories, internet activity, metadata, stored files, and forensic reports. Metadata records information about a digital item, such as when a file was created or modified. These records may provide context, but they don’t automatically establish who performed an action or what that person intended.
A defense review may examine:
- Attribution: Whether the evidence reliably connects the accused person to a device, account, communication, or online action.
- Shared access: Whether someone else could use the relevant device, credentials, network, or cloud account.
- Authorization: Whether access was permitted, limited, withdrawn, or disputed within an employment, business, or personal relationship.
- Intent: Whether the records establish the mental state required for the charge.
- Data interpretation: Whether technical records support the government’s account of when, how, and by whom an action occurred.
- Search and seizure: Whether investigators lawfully obtained and examined devices, communications, files, and stored electronic information.
Constitutional limits govern how the government obtains property and evidence. In a digital investigation, key questions may include the basis for a warrant, which devices or accounts investigators were permitted to examine, and whether the search remained within its authorized scope. The significance of each issue depends on the warrant language, investigative methods, and procedural history.
What to Do After a Search, Arrest, or Investigation
Don’t delete, alter, hide, or destroy potentially relevant electronic information after learning of an investigation. Preserve warrants, subpoenas, property receipts, account alerts, charging documents, and communications from investigators. Avoid posting about the allegations or asking anyone to change records.
Be cautious about answering substantive questions or consenting to a search of your device, account, or property before obtaining legal advice. The appropriate response may differ depending on whether investigators have requested an interview, executed a warrant, seized equipment, made an arrest, or filed charges. A criminal defense attorney can assess the current stage of the case and explain your options.
Discuss the Allegations Before Taking Your Next Step
Our firm represents clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges with a prepared, trial-ready approach to disputed evidence and procedure. Contact us to explain whether the case involves an inquiry, device seizure, arrest, indictment, or a filed computer crime charge. During your free consultation, we can review the immediate circumstances and discuss next steps. Remote consultations are available.
Call (762) 722-0248 to schedule a free consultation with Wakhisi-Douglas.
-
“If you’re looking for an attorney who delivers results and a team that genuinely cares about your case, look no further.KevStel TV
” -
“I would definitely recommend them to anyone needing legal assistance.”Autumn F.
-
“He handled my credit cases with incredible professionalism and precision.”Arlene J.
-
“Thank you for lifting a great weight from my shoulders.”Arlene F.
-
“I am incredibly grateful to Attorney Chuck Douglas for his outstanding work over the three-year resolution of my case.”Brice N.
-
“The team at Wakhisi-Douglas helped me get out of my crisis when I thought my financial life was at stake. They were patient, genuine, and very effective in helping me overcome my legal issues.”Laura G.
-
“The Wakhisi-Douglas team got us fully compensated for everything we lost and then some! Very professional and wonderful to work with!! Very highly recommended.”Matt T.
-
“They handled my case with ease and the outcome far exceeded my expectations. I would hire them again and recommend their firm to anyone in need of specialized legal services!”Tamara W.
