As technology and online platforms have become an essential part of everyday life, the rules surrounding what constitutes unlawful activity are becoming increasingly complex.
Cybercrime includes serious offences such as fraud as well as more minor offences including unauthorised access to data which can be committed unwittingly by individuals or their organisations.

Expert legal advice and representation

At Taylor Law we have experience of representing clients across a whole range of cybercrime activity. We can represent you and your business during investigations into computer activity and offer practical and honest advice and guidance.
This area of law is complex and constantly evolving. We have contacts in adjacent areas of expertise whom we can call upon where necessary, including forensic IT experts and forensic accountants.
We will step in as soon as instructed to protect your rights and interests and to put together a strong case in your defence.

Areas of cybercrime

The term cybercrime covers a wide range of unlawful activities committed via computer, including
the following:

• Online fraud
• Hacking
• Spreading viruses
• Malware offences
• Phishing and spoofing
• Illegal data theft
• Privacy breaches
• Cryptocurrency offences
• Identity theft
• Unauthorised access to data and other offences under the Computer Misuse Act
• Cyberstalking
• Selling and trading illegal items
• Malicious and offensive communications

The range of offences is large and penalties can be substantial. At the bottom of the scale of severity, it is an offence to use a person’s user ID or password. This is taken more seriously when a crime is committed following accessing someone else’s computer, such as stealing or blackmail.

The next level of offence relates to conduct such as a denial of service attack, spreading viruses or stealing data.
The most severe crimes attract large fines as well as possible prison sentences. In the case of serious cyber attacks that target essential systems or risk loss of life, social disruption or damage to the economy, environment or national security, a life sentence is possible.
There are also a number of other orders that can be made if someone is found guilty of a cybercrime, including compensation, restraint, disqualification from acting as a company director and confiscation.

Defending accusations of cybercrime

Our team can represent you from the start, attending interviews and attempting to have charges dropped where we do not believe there is sufficient evidence against you.
We will put together a robust defence on your behalf and ensure that you are represented by experts throughout. Where appropriate, we can advise you in respect of a plea. This involves pleading guilty early on in the proceedings in return for a reduced sentence of up to one-third less.
We can also assist if your assets are frozen during the investigation to try and release these and show that they are not related to any unlawful conduct.

Contact us

At Taylor Law we have an excellent track record of success in working with clients who have been accused of a wide range of cybercrimes, with expert criminal defence solicitors in Leeds, Middlesbrough and London who can step in immediately to represent you.

For an initial discussion, ring us on 0113 532 8100 (Leeds), 01642 221 108 (Middlesbrough) or 0203 780 7646 (London) or fill in our Contact Form.