Charged with an Internet Crime in California? Here’s What You Need to Know

The rise of technology has brought countless benefits to modern life but it has also introduced new legal risks. In California, internet crimes are prosecuted aggressively, and law enforcement agencies have become increasingly sophisticated in how they investigate and charge online offenses. Whether you’ve been accused of cyberstalking, identity theft, unauthorized computer access, or online fraud, internet crime allegations can result in felony charges, steep fines, and potential jail time—even for a first-time offense.

At Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers, we defend clients who are facing serious allegations involving internet-based offenses. These cases are often built on digital evidence that must be carefully scrutinized, and the consequences can affect your freedom, your record, and your reputation for years to come. This blog explains the most common internet crime charges in California, how they are investigated, what penalties you might face, and how our attorneys can help.

What Is Considered an Internet Crime in California?

“Internet crime” is an umbrella term that refers to any illegal activity conducted through or involving the internet, email, social media, or networked devices. California prosecutors pursue these cases under a wide range of state penal codes, many of which carry felony-level consequences. Some of the most common internet crime charges in California include:

1. Unauthorized Access to Computer Systems (Penal Code § 502): This statute makes it illegal to access, alter, delete, or disrupt data on someone else’s computer, network, or system without permission. Examples include hacking into an email or social media account, installing spyware or keyloggers, and accessing or downloading confidential files. This charge can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the nature and extent of the offense.
   
2. Identity Theft (Penal Code § 530.5): It is illegal to use another person’s identifying information—such as their name, Social Security number, credit card number, or login credentials—without permission and for an unlawful purpose. Online examples include phishing schemes, creating fake profiles to impersonate someone, and using stolen personal information to obtain goods, services, or loans. Identity theft is almost always charged as a felony in California.
   
3. Internet Fraud: While there is no single “internet fraud” statute, these charges often fall under broader fraud laws, including credit card fraud, insurance fraud, and business email compromise scams. These cases can arise from selling fraudulent products online, misrepresenting identity in financial transactions, or participating in online investment schemes.
   
4. Cyberstalking (Penal Code § 646.9): Cyberstalking involves harassing or threatening someone through digital means—such as emails, DMs, or social media comments—in a way that causes fear or distress. This charge often accompanies restraining orders and may be filed as a misdemeanor or felony.
   
5. Revenge Porn (Penal Code § 647(j)(4)): Posting or distributing intimate images of another person without their consent is illegal in California and is classified as a form of cyber harassment.
   

How Are Internet Crimes Investigated in California?

Investigations into internet-based crimes are often complex and may involve IP address tracking, social media account subpoenas, metadata analysis, digital forensics, and device searches and data extraction. Local police departments may work with specialized units, such as the Los Angeles Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, or partner with the California Department of Justice in more serious cases.

Digital evidence is central to these prosecutions—but it’s not always reliable or properly handled. At Perlman & Cohen, we examine how that evidence was collected and whether law enforcement followed proper protocols, including warrant requirements and chain of custody.

What Are the Penalties for Internet Crimes?

The penalties for an internet crime conviction in California vary widely depending on the type of crime, whether there was financial loss or physical harm, whether the victim was a minor or vulnerable person, and the accused’s prior criminal record. Here are some potential consequences:

Charge: Unauthorized computer access — Penalty Range: Up to 3 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine. Charge: Identity theft — Penalty Range: Up to 3 years in state prison. Charge: Cyberstalking — Penalty Range: Up to 5 years in prison for felony. Charge: Revenge porn — Penalty Range: Up to 1 year in county jail for misdemeanor, more if part of repeated harassment. Charge: Online fraud — Penalty Range: Misdemeanor or felony depending on amount of financial loss; up to 5 years in prison and significant fines.

Other consequences may include restitution to victims, loss of employment, permanent criminal record, and court-mandated counseling or registration requirements, depending on the nature of the offense.

How Perlman & Cohen Defend Internet Crime Charges

Internet crime cases often involve digital evidence that prosecutors claim is “irrefutable.” In reality, these cases depend on how the evidence was obtained, interpreted, and presented. At Perlman & Cohen, we focus on challenging the reliability of the digital trail and ensuring our clients' rights were not violated during the investigation.

Our approach includes:

• Examining whether search warrants were properly issued and executed
  
• Challenging weak or speculative digital evidence (such as IP address attribution)
  
• Suppressing statements made during unlawful interrogations
  
• Negotiating to reduce or dismiss charges based on mitigating circumstances
  
• Working with forensic experts to evaluate and refute the prosecution’s claims
  

Whether the case involves one device or a complicated web of digital communications, we are committed to identifying every weakness in the government’s case and building a defense grounded in facts, technology, and California law.

What You Should Do If You Are Accused of an Internet Crime

If you’ve been contacted by law enforcement or served with a search warrant related to an alleged internet crime, do not speak to investigators without a lawyer. These cases often involve proactive digital surveillance, and even innocent-sounding statements can be twisted into evidence.

Take these steps:

• Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately
  
• Do not delete, alter, or access digital devices after a search or accusation
  
• Avoid discussing the case over phone, text, or social media
  
• Preserve emails, receipts, messages, or other digital records that support your defense
  

Acting quickly is critical. In many cases, early legal intervention can prevent charges from being filed or lead to a more favorable resolution before trial.

Why Choose Perlman & Cohen for Internet Crime Defense?

Internet crimes are different from traditional criminal cases. They require not only deep legal knowledge, but a sophisticated understanding of how digital evidence works—and how it can fail. At Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers, we bring both.

We are trusted by professionals, students, business owners, and individuals throughout Los Angeles who are facing complex internet-related charges. We combine thorough legal analysis, strategic defense planning, and aggressive courtroom advocacy to protect your rights, your record, and your future.

Call Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers Today

Internet crime allegations can damage your reputation, your job, and your freedom. If you're under investigation or have been arrested for an internet-based offense, don’t wait to get legal help.

Contact Perlman & Cohen for a confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, help you understand your rights, and begin building a defense immediately.

Your future deserves a defense. Let us fight for it.