Internet Crime Defence Lawyer

Have law enforcement officers arrested you for an internet crime in Toronto? If so, a knowledgeable, experienced internet defence crime lawyer from Posner Craig Stein LLP can help you defend your rights, freedom, and future from the harshest consequences. Contact us today for an initial consultation.

Prosecutors vigorously investigate and pursue convictions in internet crime cases. Experienced legal representation can help you stand up for your rights and interests. The team with Posner Craig Stein LLP is ready to be your staunch ally in your quest for justice.

The Internet crime defence lawyers from Posner Craig Stein LLP can help you seek a favourable resolution to your criminal charges by:

• Thoroughly investigating your cybercrime charges to obtain all available evidence that can help us build a complete, compelling defence strategy
• Evaluating your legal options for pursuing a positive outcome to your case, such as pursuing alternative disposition programs or developing legal defences to fight your charges
• Helping you understand your charges and the potential outcomes so you can make informed decisions
• Vigorously contesting the prosecution’s case at every step, including seeking to exclude inadmissible evidence or evidence obtained through violations of your rights
• Presenting a compelling case at trial if you choose to fight your charges and assert your innocence

An internet crime refers to any criminal offence occurring online or that an individual commits using the Internet. Internet crimes include offences where the Internet and electronic devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones play a significant role in the offence. Internet crimes include offences that target technology, such as hacking, data theft, and ransomware. Internet offences also include crimes where the offender uses technology as a means of committing the offence, such as fraud, identity theft, money laundering, cyberstalking/cyberharassment, drug/human trafficking, and exploitation/solicitation of minors.

Examples of internet crimes include:

• Hacking
• Identity theft
• Criminal fraud
• Cyberharassment/cyberbullying
• Solicitation of minors for sexual activity
• Possession/distribution of child pornography

A conviction for a cybercrime can have significant, long-lasting consequences for an individual’s reputation, freedom, and future. First, a conviction will result in the imposition of a criminal sentence. Depending on the specific offence(s) charged, sentences may include incarceration, suspended sentence/probation, conditional sentences, fines, and restitution (an obligation to reimburse victims for financial losses caused by the defendant’s crime. Offenders can lose their freedom during incarceration, have reduced liberty during probation or conditional release, or face financial penalties from fines and restitution.

Some internet crimes may have other collateral consequences. For example, sex-based internet crimes, such as possession/distribution of child pornography or solicitation of minors, may result in a convicted defendant having a sex offender registration obligation, which requires an offender to report annually to the police to provide their up-to-date personal information.

Finally, a conviction for an internet crime may carry a public stigma that makes it challenging to pursue employment, housing, or educational opportunities.

Defendants facing prosecution for internet offences may have various defence strategies they can pursue to challenge the prosecution’s case and pursue an optimal outcome to their charges, whether that means a favourable plea agreement, a reduction/dismissal of charges pre-trial, or an acquittal at trial. Common defence strategies used in internet crime cases include:

Lack of intent: A defendant can argue that the prosecution’s case fails to prove that the defendant acted with the criminal intent required by the charged statute. For example, a defendant may claim they did not intend to defraud the alleged victim.

Mistaken identity: Defendants may assert they did not commit the charged offence, arguing that another individual used their electronic devices, computer network, or IP address to commit the crime.

Unlawfully obtained evidence: A defendant may seek to exclude evidence from the prosecution’s case in an internet crimes prosecution by asserting that police investigators obtained the evidence by violating the defendant’s rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including through an unreasonable search.

Constitutional challenges: Defendants may challenge internet crime charges by arguing that the criminal statute unreasonably infringes on citizens’ rights to privacy, freedom of expression, or other rights.

Choose the computer crime lawyers from Posner Craig Stein LLP to help you seek a favourable resolution to your internet crime charges because:

• Our lawyers have over 85 years of combined legal experience. We have a long record of criminal litigation, having appeared before trial and appellate courts in various jurisdictions.
• Our firm has extensive experience handling complex criminal cases and a reputation for delivering exceptional client service. We provide strategic, tailored legal solutions at every stage of your case to help you achieve superior results.
• We’ve earned awards and recognition for our work for our clients, including ranking as one of the Top Criminal Law Boutiques for 2024-2025 by Canadian Lawyer.

If you’ve been arrested for an internet crime in Toronto, a criminal defence lawyer from Posner Craig Stein LLP can help you protect your rights, reputation, and future. Contact our firm today for a confidential consultation to discuss your options for pursuing a defence strategy to fight your internet crime charges.