Craiglist Stings

Craigslist, as defined on the online encyclopedia Wikipedia, is “a centralized network of online communities featuring free online classified advertisements, with sections devoted to jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, gigs, résumés, and discussion forums.”

Considering the broad scope of human interactions evident on Craigslist, it is perhaps not surprising that law enforcement authorities and news sources often refer to “Craigslist-related crimes.”

In fact, wherever people find each other, communicate and conduct transactions, crimes occur: in downtown areas, in shopping malls, in schools and in residential areas. The Internet is no different. Craigslist, being easily accessible, has served as an online basis for new opportunities for criminal activity.

Subsequently, police departments and other law enforcement agencies are often engaged in investigations into alleged crimes facilitated by Craigslist and resulting criminal charges, including:

• Craigslist robbery charges: People posting ads on Craigslist looking to buy gold or engage in sales or purchases of other items sometimes turn on those who respond and steal from them, sometimes using force. Have you been charged in a theft crime originating in an Internet connection by way of Craigslist or any online forum?
• Craigslist prostitution charges: Both women and men engage in various forms of prostitution crimes, using Craigslist as a source of targets. Were you charged with soliciting sex with a minor and/or sex for pay through connections made on Craigslist? Did you respond to an ad offering sex for money that turned out to be part of a sting operation planted on the website by law enforcement?
• Craigslist drug charges: Did you allegedly place ads or respond to ads using code words for illegal drugs? Police may claim that you engaged in drug dealing or enlisted co-conspirators in drug trafficking through ads placed on Craigslist.

Defense of Craigslist-related criminal charges may involve complex levels of discovery and investigation. Determining the facts and defending your constitutional rights may require assistance from computer forensic specialists, as well as other expert witnesses. Seek counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney Daniel R. Perlman, a former prosecutor with an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system and its applications in today’s Internet-oriented society.

Contact Our Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys Today!

At Law Offices of Daniel R. Perlman, our lawyers understand how to investigate and defend against complex computer-related criminal charges, including Craigslist-related charges. To schedule a free consultation, contact us at our offices in Los Angeles, California, at (310) 557-1700 at (310) 557-1700 or by e-mail.