Cybercrime & Social Media Solicitors
Many people consider themselves beyond reproach for anything they do or say online. However, the reality is starkly different. Many seemingly innocuous acts, including remarks made on social media, can constitute a criminal offence.
Cybercrime in any guise, including social media offences, can carry severe penalties, such as hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. If you have been contacted regarding alleged cybercrime or believe there is a risk you may be, our cybercrime solicitors can help.
Our team of dedicated solicitors are experts in this niche area of law. We strive to avoid criminal charges against our clients by challenging cases from the outset. If the facts are such that prosecution is inevitable, we robustly defend the allegations , or mitigate any penalty in the event of an adverse finding.
Our cybercrime solicitors can assist with defending cases involving all types of cybercrime and social media offences, including:
- Contempt of Court
- Cyberbullying
- Cyberstalking
- Online harassment
- Revenge porn
- Threats
- Online grooming
- Internet fraud (including credit card fraud)
- IT crime
Contact our cybercrime solicitors today in London (West Drayton) on 01895 449288 or in Hertfordshire (St Albans) on 01727 840900 or email us at info@wellsburcombe.co.uk.
Our areas of expertise
Contempt of Court proceedings
Contempt of Court refers to any action that undermines Court proceedings, interferes with the administration of justice, or unfairly influences a Court case. It is a criminal offence, punishable by a fine or up to two months imprisonment.
People can inadvertently place themselves in contempt by making ill-judged comments on social media. For example, if you are aware that a defendant on trial for drug dealing has previously served time for a similar offence, you would be ill-advised to declare that knowledge on social media since doing so may constitute contempt of the court.
Our cybercrime solicitors regularly assist clients in defending contempt of Court proceedings. We couple our legal expertise with exceptional client care and are rated 5/5 in all areas on the independent legal review site, Review Solicitors.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying involves bullying or harassing someone using technology, for example, by posting embarrassing photos or videos of them on social media. The penalties for cyberbullying depend on the nature of the bullying and the law by which it is governed.
For example, the Malicious Communications Act of 1988 classifies certain communications designed to cause distress or anxiety as a malicious communication offence punishable by up to two years imprisonment and a fine.
Our internet crime solicitors have a proven track record in defending cyberbullying allegations on behalf of our clients. We are noted not only for being ‘astute’ and ‘tough’ but also ‘compassionate’ and ‘sympathetic’.
Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking is rife on social media, with perpetrators being able to easily follow their victims’ movements and create fake profiles through which to contact them. Harassment and stalking are criminal offences punishable by up to six months imprisonment. However, prison time can be extended to ten years if the conduct puts the victim in fear of violence.
Our computer crime solicitors have vast experience in defending cyberstalking charges. We are listed in the Legal 500, a directory of the leading lawyers in the UK, as offering a boutique service tailored to our clients’ needs.
Online harassment
Online harassment involves using technology to cause harm or distress to another person, for example, by threatening or humiliating them. Online harassment carries a penalty of up to six months imprisonment, rising to ten years if it puts the victim in fear of violence.
We are experts in all aspects of cybercrime law, including those relating to online harassment. We work tirelessly to protect our clients’ interests and are praised by clients for being ‘totally committed’ to securing their best outcome.
Revenge Porn
Revenge porn involves sharing explicit material, such as photos or videos, containing another person without their consent to cause them distress. Revenge porn is a sexual offence punishable by up to two years imprisonment.
Our cybercrime lawyers offer expert legal advice and guidance on matters involving revenge porn. Clients regularly comment on our exceptional client care and hard-working approach.
Threats
Certain threats made online, such as those relating to death, bodily harm, or severe financial loss, can constitute a criminal offence. You may face a fine or even imprisonment if convicted.
Our computer crime solicitors routinely advise clients facing allegations of online threats. We are recognised for our excellent judgment and personal approach in cybercrime law cases.
Online Grooming
Online grooming involves taking steps to gain the trust of a child or otherwise vulnerable individual in an online environment, usually intending to commit a sexual offence. Where the grooming has resulted in the perpetrator arranging to meet the victim, the penalty can be severe, involving a lengthy custodial sentence. Where the activities are limited to online communication and no meeting has been arranged, the penalties are less but can still attract a custodial sentence.
If you need help defending allegations of online grooming, our cybercrime solicitors can help. As a leading criminal defence firm, our experience is second to none, and we pride ourselves on going the extra mile to obtain the best outcomes for our clients.
Internet fraud (including credit card fraud)
Internet fraud is an umbrella term that describes various fraudulent activities generally intended to take money from the victim, such as dating scams and identity theft. Credit card fraud involves using a victim’s existing credit card to make purchases for yourself or opening credit cards in someone else’s name. These types of frauds constitute criminal offences, punishable by imprisonment, fines and Confiscation Orders.
Our internet fraud solicitors specialise in defending clients facing internet fraud charges. With our deep understanding of cybercrime law and extensive experience, we will put together a strategy that guarantees the most favourable result.
IT crime
IT crime covers a range of offences, including phishing, hacking, and malware attacks. Depending on the offence, the penalties generally include a fine (which can be unlimited) up to fairly lengthy terms of imprisonment .
If you have been accused of any of the above offences or suspect you may have committed one, our cybercrime solicitors can help. Timely legal advice is crucial to avoid criminal prosecution and minimise the impact on your career, home life, and reputation. If prosecution is unavoidable, we will prepare a robust defence with the best chance of securing an acquittal or obtaining the most lenient possible penalty.
Funding your legal defence for a cybercrime offence
You may be eligible for legal aid to assist you in funding your defence for a cybercrime offence. Our cybercrime solicitors will assist you in preparing your application and ensuring it has the best chance of success.
We are one of the UK’s most highly regarded criminal defence practices committed to providing exceptional legal advice at affordable rates. So, if you are not eligible for legal aid, you can be confident that our internet crime solicitors’ services represent excellent value for money.
Cybercrime and Social Media FAQs
What is cybercrime?
Cybercrime is any criminal offence carried out using digital technology. Its remit is broad, encompassing all social media crimes, from online grooming to credit card fraud. Your cybercrime lawyer will consider the facts of your case and advice on whether your actions constitute a criminal offence.
What are the possible criminal offences on social media?
Given its potential for anonymity and enormous reach, social media facilitates a range of criminal offences. Examples of common social media offences include:
- Cyberbullying.
- Online Harassment.
- Online Grooming.
- Credit card fraud.
- Revenge porn.
- Cyberstalking
What are the consequences of cybercrime?
Cybercrime is a serious criminal offence, regardless of how it is committed or by whom. The potential penalties for cybercrime and social media offences can be severe..
It’s essential to seek expert legal advice as soon as you become aware that you may have committed a cybercrime.
Our cybercrime solicitors are experts in this complex area of law and have helped countless clients avoid prosecution and secure the most favourable sentences.
Contact our cybercrime solicitors in West Drayton and St Albans
If you would like to utilise our cybercrime solicitors’ services, contact us today in London (West Drayton) on 01895 449288 or in Hertfordshire (St Albans) on 01727 840900 or email us at info@wellsburcombe.co.uk.