Connecticut Cybercrime Defense Lawyer

Technology has transformed how we live, but it has also created new ways for people to face criminal accusations. In Connecticut, cybercrime prosecutions are on the rise, and even a simple online misunderstanding can result in serious felony charges. If you’ve been accused of a computer-related offense in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, or anywhere in the state, you need an experienced lawyer who understands both the law and the technology behind these cases.

At Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer, we have over 30 years of experience defending clients across Connecticut. We know how prosecutors build cybercrime cases—and how to fight back from the very start.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

Connecticut law defines “cybercrime” broadly, covering a range of offenses involving computers, smartphones, and online activity. These often include traditional theft offenses as well, such as:

• Identity Theft (C.G.S. § 53a-129): Using another person’s personal information without permission to obtain money, goods, or services.
  Credit Card Fraud (C.G.S. § 53a-128d): Unauthorized use or possession of someone else’s credit or debit card.
  Larceny in the First Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-122): Alleged theft of more than $20,000, often charged alongside large-scale cyber schemes.
  Larceny in the Second Degree (C.G.S. § 53a-123): Alleged theft exceeding $10,000, frequently paired with online fraud or phishing accusations.
  Computer Crime (C.G.S. § 53a-251): Unauthorized access to a computer system, altering or destroying data, or interfering with operations.
• Online Fraud and Phishing: Allegations of tricking individuals or businesses through fake websites, emails, or messages.
• Confidence and Romance Scams Targeting Seniors: Accusations of exploiting older adults through “sweetheart scams,” fraudulent investments, or emergency pleas.

Even a first offense can carry felony penalties, including prison time, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record.

Many cybercrime cases begin long before an arrest is made. You may:

• Receive a call from a detective asking you to “answer a few questions.”
• Be served with a subpoena for documents or digital records.
• Experience a search warrant executed at your home or workplace.

If this happens, you are already in legal danger. Investigators may have been building a case for weeks or months. What you do next is critical.

• Victim or business complaints: A company reports suspicious transactions or unauthorized access.
• Bank and financial alerts: Institutions flag irregular account activity.
• Digital surveillance: Law enforcement tracks IP addresses linked to fraud, hacking, or data breaches.
• Undercover operations: Agents pose as victims in online scams.

Cybercrime investigations often involve:

• Local police digital crime units
• Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit
• Federal agencies like the FBI, Secret Service, and Homeland Security Investigations

If activity crosses state or national borders, federal prosecution is likely, bringing harsher penalties and more resources.

• Search warrants: Seizing computers, phones, and external drives.
• Subpoenas: Forcing ISPs, banks, and tech companies to release data.
• Forensic analysis: Examining digital devices for evidence.
• Witness interviews: Questioning family, co-workers, or associates.

• You do not have to speak to investigators.
• You do not have to consent to searches without a valid warrant.
• You have the right to have an attorney present during questioning.

Invoking these rights is essential to avoid unintentionally strengthening the state’s case.

Penalties for cybercrime vary depending on the allegations and the amount of financial loss involved:

• Felony-level larceny charges when alleged losses exceed $10,000 or $20,000.
• Restitution orders requiring repayment of claimed losses.
• Federal involvement when interstate or international elements are present.

A conviction can:

• Permanently damage your reputation.
• Result in job loss and inability to obtain professional licenses.
• Lead to severe immigration consequences for non-citizens.

For those seeking to clear their record after a case, we also handle Absolute Pardons.

Cybercrime cases are often built on complex technical evidence that can be misleading or incomplete. We focus on:

• Challenging forensic analysis: Ensuring the evidence truly connects you to the alleged conduct.
• Suppressing unlawfully obtained evidence: Fighting improper searches and warrants.
• Proving lack of intent: Showing actions were accidental, unknowing, or misunderstood.
• Exposing “money mule” setups: Many clients are unknowingly recruited by masterminds to transfer funds or open accounts. We present messages, emails, and expert testimony to prove you were a victim of manipulation, not a willing participant.
• Demonstrating mistaken identity: Proving that someone else used your credentials, network, or device.

Early intervention is critical. The sooner we get involved, the better chance we have of stopping charges, shaping negotiations, or winning in court.

For many first-time defendants charged with non-violent cyber offenses, the Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) Program provides a second chance. This pretrial diversion program allows eligible individuals to complete certain conditions and have their charges dismissed and erased.

We have successfully obtained AR for clients facing cybercrime allegations, helping them avoid a criminal record entirely.

• Over 30 years of experience in Connecticut criminal defense.
• Extensive knowledge of digital evidence and white-collar prosecutions.
• Proven results—from preventing charges during investigations to winning dismissals in court.
• Personalized representation—every client’s case gets the focused attention it deserves.

Cybercrime allegations can upend your life—but you don’t have to face them alone.

Call Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer today for a free, confidential consultation.

We are ready to protect your rights, defend your freedom, and secure your future.