Computer Crimes

Message to A&M and Blinn Parents

Areas of Expertise

Breach of Computer Security
Online Solicitation of a Minor
Identity Theft
Online Harassment

More and more, offenses involving computers and the internet are being added to the statutes by federal and state legislatures. Because of the complexity of these offenses, it is vitally important to retain legal representation with experience in litigating computer-related crime.

Computer-related prosecutions are becoming more and more common. The Penal Code and Federal Statutes are being amended regularly to address offenses involving the use of computers and/or the internet. In many cases, the punishment range, if convicted, can lead to prison time. To adequately protect your rights, you must retain an attorney who knows both the technical and legal implications of properly defending these types of offenses. Shane Phelps has litigated numerous cases involving the use of computers and the internet. He has worked closely with forensic computer examiners and knows how to properly investigate and defend computer-related cases. In fact, Phelps helped draft Texas’ Online Solicitation of a Minor statute, testified before the Texas Legislature, and was with Governor Perry when the bill was signed into law.

If you are being investigated for any white collar offense such as theft, fraud, misapplication of fiduciary property, securing execution of a document by deception, wire fraud, or mail fraud, investigators will attempt to seize any computers you either work with or use at home. These computers will be forensically examined for evidence of illegal activity and the results of that examination will be used against you. That is why having the most competent legal representation you can find is so important. Your attorney should insist on examining the computer. Your attorney should work with a retained forensic computer examiner to make sure that the examination performed on your computer was done properly. Often, evidence that might help to prove your innocence is overlooked by law enforcement. An experienced attorney will find that evidence and be able to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case as well as present such evidence on your behalf.

If you are being investigated for or charged with a sex offense, know that seizure and examination of computers, cell phones, tablets, and other devices are commonly seized and examined in such cases. With the penalties for these types of offenses so severe, the importance of retaining the most experienced attorney cannot be understated.

Shane Phelps has participated in scores of computer-related investigations and he knows how to protect your rights. Don’t wait until you’re arrested. If you believe that you are being investigated by law enforcement, call Shane Phelps at 979.775.4100 or 979.220.5450 immediately for help.