Internet Crimes
Internet crimes are increasingly common across DuPage County and the northwest suburbs of Chicago. These offenses include online fraud-related cases, hacking, and sexual crimes involving minors.
Technology makes it easier for prosecutors to track activity – and it also creates challenges to gathering evidence and how Illinois law applies. With prison, probation, restitution, and fines on the line, it’s important to hire the most experienced internet crimes defense lawyer possible.
Steve Roach has been practicing criminal law since 1998. He began his career as a prosecutor and now practices criminal defense in state, federal, and juvenile court. Our firm serves the northwest suburbs of Chicago, including Schaumburg, Wheaton, Arlington Heights, and Des Plaines. He provides practical advice and an aggressive defense throughout every case he takes, from first consultation to final resolution.
If you’re under investigation or face charges related to your online activity, contact Steve Roach Law Offices in Schaumburg, Chicago, and Wheaton today. We can help you understand your rights and determine the best options available.
Types of Internet Crime Cases We Handle in DuPage County and Beyond
Internet crime charges can come from many different kinds of online activity. Email, social media, online banking, and digital file sharing all create records that investigators may review during a criminal investigation. Police and prosecutors in Illinois often rely on electronic data ranging from account records and IP addresses to chat logs and transaction histories.
People are sometimes surprised by how quickly a misunderstanding or online dispute can turn into a criminal charge. In other situations, a person may not realize how Illinois law applies to certain online behavior until law enforcement contacts them.
Below are some of the most common types of internet crimes we defend. If you’re not sure whether we can take your case, call Steve Roach Law Offices to learn more.
Identity Theft and Online Fraud
Identity theft and online fraud charges usually involve someone using another person’s personal information for financial gain. That information could include:
- Social Security numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Bank account credentials
- Other identifying data
Many cases begin when a bank or credit card company reports suspicious activity. Others start with account takeovers or phishing scams designed to collect passwords or financial details. Often, accusations involve accessing another person’s email or payment accounts and using them to make transactions or transfer money.
Prosecutors have a high burden of proof. They must connect the activity to a specific person and show that the person acted knowingly, with the intent to commit fraud. Questions about who controlled a device, who had access to an account, or how someone obtained financial data can become important parts of the defense. A good lawyer knows how to analyze the evidence and show that reasonable doubt exists.
Penalties depend on the value of the property involved and the number of transactions connected to the charge. Some cases are filed as misdemeanors. Others are felonies that can lead to prison sentences and restitution orders.
Steve Roach Law Offices reviews financial records, digital evidence, and the investigation itself. That process helps our founding attorney identify and challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Financial and Related Internet Crimes
Some internet crime cases involve financial activity on computers or online systems. These charges may involve accusations of accessing a bank account without permission, using stolen credit card information, or interfering with a company’s computer network. Illinois law prohibits computer tampering and other forms of unauthorized access to computer systems. Financial identity fraud laws also apply when prosecutors claim someone used another person’s financial information to obtain money, credit, or property.
Businesses in the northwest suburbs, including retail centers in Schaumburg or Palatine, sometimes contact law enforcement when they detect unusual account activity or online transactions connected to their systems. Investigators may review payment data and digital information to determine where the activity originated.
Technology is a good resource, but it doesn’t always tell a clear story. Several people may have access to the same computer or account. Shared networks, public Wi-Fi, and compromised devices can complicate the question of who actually carried out a transaction. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side.
These cases depend on technical evidence and the prosecution’s ability to prove intent. Steve Roach Law Offices analyzes how investigators collected digital evidence and whether it proves the person facing charges truly committed the crime.
Internet Sex Crimes
Internet-based sexual offenses usually involve communication through messaging platforms on social media or through file-sharing services. Prosecutors may claim that someone used online communication to:
- Solicit sexual activity
- Send explicit material to a minor
- Sexually exploit a minor to produce explicit material
- Sexually exploit a minor for sexual contact
- Possess or distribute illegal images of child pornography or obscenity
These cases rely heavily on digital evidence, including communications and files recovered from computers or mobile devices. However, there may be questions about who sent a message or whether a device was shared with others. Similarly, messages can be misinterpreted, so a savvy defense lawyer will look for plausible alternative explanations.
Many of these crimes are felonies. A conviction can lead to prison time and Illinois sex offender registration. Those registration requirements can affect everything from housing and employment options to where you can travel.
Steve Roach Law Offices reviews the communications and electronic records involved in these cases, then explains how Illinois law applies to the facts. Our founding attorney can help you understand the charges and the possible defenses, plus what to expect from the court system.
Why Choose Steve Roach Law Offices for Your Cook, DuPage, Lake and Kane County, Illinois Internet Crimes Defense?
Internet crime cases often involve massive volumes of digital and technical evidence gathered from computers and mobile devices.
Founding attorney Steve Roach began his career as a prosecutor, which gives him valuable insight into how investigators build internet crime cases and how prosecutors present them in court. Steve Roach Law Offices represents clients in a wide range of criminal matters, including identity theft, financial fraud, computer-related offenses, and internet-based sex crime charges. Each case receives careful review of the available evidence, along with practical guidance about the legal process and possible defense strategies.
Clients who work with Steve Roach Law Offices appreciate the direct communication that comes with a solo practice. You won’t be passed between multiple lawyers or staff members. Steve Roach works directly with you throughout the case to answer your questions and explain the most likely outcomes. We offer:
- More than 25 years of experience handling criminal cases in Illinois courts, including time spent working as a prosecutor
- Extensive experience with financial crimes such as identity theft, fraud, and computer-related offenses
- Representation in sex crime cases involving online communication and digital evidence
- Personal attention from a solo practitioner who works directly with every client
- Clear, straightforward communication about the evidence and your legal options
- A long history of practicing in DuPage County and the northwest suburbs of Chicago, including Schaumburg, Wheaton, Park Ridge, Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Palatine, Mount Prospect, and Rolling Meadows
- Over 20 years of experience serving as of counsel for Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C.
Local experience can make a big difference in how your case turns out. Steve Roach regularly appears in courts throughout DuPage County and nearby communities. His familiarity with local procedures and prosecutors helps clients better understand how their case may progress and what options may be available along the way.
Discuss Your Case with a DuPage County Internet Crimes Defense Attorney Today
Steve Roach Law Offices represents clients in DuPage County and throughout the northwest suburbs from our offices in Schaumburg, Wheaton, and Chicago, including Park Ridge, Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Palatine, Mount Prospect, and Rolling Meadows. If you have questions about an internet crime investigation or pending charges, contact us for a consultation today.
