With the ever-growing presence of new technology, it’s safe to say that our world is now more connected than ever before. But while technology has done a lot of good things for society, unfortunately, it is not always used for good. In fact, sometimes it is used to commit criminal activity. When an individual civilian commits a cybercrime, our criminal laws will take hold. But what about when a member of the military does so? How does the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) handle such crimes?
What is a Computer Crime?
Computer crimes, often referred to as cyber crimes, are some of the most common crimes in the U.S. and its military. A computer crime is any crime that has been committed through the use of a computer. Computer crimes may be anything from hacking and theft to cyber-sexual assault or child pornography.
Computer crimes are among the most common crimes in the US – and in the US military. The term “computer crime” describes a broad array of criminal acts, and it essentially refers to any event in which a criminal act is committed through the use of a computer. These crimes can include espionage, hacking, child offenses, theft, and cyber-sexual assault.
What Constitutes a Computer?
When we think of the word computer, we often picture a desktop or laptop computer. However, a computer for purposes of committing a computer crime also includes government computers and networks, personal networks, tablets, external hard drives, and even Smartphones.
Computer Crime Cases Can Be Complex
With so many different computer crimes possible, military computer crimes can prove quite complex. Such cases often involve intense investigations and those accused face serious consequences, such as:
- Dishonorable discharge;
- Federal criminal convictions;
- Jail sentences; and
- Hefty fines.
If you have been accused of any type of cyber crime, it’s important that you seek the assistance of a qualified military/court-martial law attorney who can help to advise you of your options and fight for what’s best for you.
The Court-Martial Law Division of Aviso Law LLC Helps Military Members in Colorado Who Have Been Charged with a Crime
It’s important to understand that the U.S. Government has an interest in obtaining a conviction as soon as possible, as it does not wish to gain negative publicity about one of its service members. That is why it is so important to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced military attorney as soon as possible in order to ensure that your rights are protected.
If you are a military service member (active or reserve) and have been charged with a computer crime under the UCMJ, the Court-Martial Law Division of Aviso Law LLC can help. We proudly serve our military members, who sacrifice so much for our country. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
