Using a computer or network to commit a crime, like Theft or for some sort of monetary gain, is charged as Computer Crime in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park. A lottery computer programmer is facing prison time after he wrote a computer code that would make him a lottery winner. He shared the winning numbers with a few others, including his brother, and ended up with a $2.2 million payout. He was caught, and is not only required to pay the $2.2 million back, but is facing some serious prison time as well.
Larimer County Computer Crime Lawyer: What is the Definition of Computer Crime?
The Larimer, Boulder, and Grand County, Colorado law definition of Computer Crime as it applies to the case above – C.R.S. 18-5.5-102(1)(b) – is:
(b) Accesses any computer, computer network, or computer system, or any part thereof for the purpose of devising or executing any scheme or artifice to defraud;
The man wrote specific code to execute a scheme where he would have control over the winning lottery numbers, so he could fraudulently collect the money.
Sentence for Lottery Related Computer Crime in Fort Collins and Loveland
Much like Theft, Computer Crime is charged as a petty offense, misdemeanor, or felony depending on the value, damage, or loss of the services or items taken:
- Class 1 petty offense Computer Crime – less than $50
- Class 3 misdemeanor Computer Crime – $50 to $299
- Class 2 misdemeanor Computer Crime – $300 to $749
- Class 1 misdemeanor Computer Crime – $750 to $1,999
- Class 6 felony Computer Crime – $2,000 to $4,999
- Class 5 felony Computer Crime – $5,000 to $19,999
- Class 4 felony Computer Crime – $20,000 to $99,999
- Class 3 felony Computer Crime – $100,000 to $999,999
- Class 2 felony Computer Crime – $1,000,000 or more
Based on the chart above, the man would be facing a class 2 felony Computer Crime charge for fraudulently obtaining $2.2 million through his lottery scheme. In Fort Collins and Larimer County, a class 2 felony is punishable by 8 to 24 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $1,000,000 in fines. This sentence does not include restitution, which would be the $2.2 million he stole.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Computer Crime, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 today. Together, we can protect your future.
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