Computer data infringement and computer fraud are serious crimes targeting the integrity and security of digital information. In Georgia, this is regulated under Article 286 of the Criminal Code (Infringement of computer data or/and computer system) and Article 285 (Computer fraud). The crime involves illegal alteration, deletion, blocking, or damage of data within a computer system. This can include falsifying financial records, erasing debts in a database, changing student grades, or disrupting website functionality. Computer fraud specifically involves manipulating data to obtain property benefits. Charges are often complex because the crime leaves only a digital footprint, interpreting which requires special expertise. Poorly conducted defense can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
What Does Computer Fraud Defense Service Cover?
Lawyers on Legal.ge offer full legal support in computer crime cases. The service includes:
- Technical Evidence Audit: Verifying the validity of digital evidence presented by the prosecution (server logs, altered files).
- Intent Analysis: Determining whether the data alteration was intentional crime or a technical error/negligence (which changes the qualification).
- System Access Research: Proving that the accused did not have exclusive access and the alteration could have been made by someone else.
- Damage Assessment: Conducting a financial audit to determine actual damages, which affects sentencing.
- Court Representation: Explaining complex IT issues to the judge in simple and understandable language.
Common Situations and Scenarios
Charges of computer data infringement are often related to:
- Corporate Sabotage: A fired employee deleting or damaging critical company files.
- Academic Record Tampering: Breaching university databases to falsify grades.
- Financial Data Manipulation: Altering numbers in accounting software to embezzle funds.
- Ransomware: Encrypting data and demanding payment for the decryption key.
Georgian Legal Framework
Article 286 of the Criminal Code of Georgia provides for fines or imprisonment for up to 3 years. If the act caused significant damage, the sentence increases to 6 years. Article 285 (Computer Fraud) carries a sentence of 2 to 5 years, and in cases of large amounts of damage — 6 to 10 years. The defense strategy often relies on proving the absence of elements of the crime (e.g., lack of intent for material gain).
Step-by-Step Service Process
Cooperation with a lawyer involves:
- Initial Analysis: Reviewing technical details of the case.
- Expertise: Appointing alternative computer forensics expertise.
- Negotiation: Reaching a plea agreement in case of damage reimbursement.
Why Choose a Specialist on Legal.ge?
Computer fraud cases require synergy between law and IT technologies. On Legal.ge, you will find lawyers experienced in cybercrime who can protect your interests competently.
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