Almost all crimes committed nowadays involve a computer, which in criminal law is defined simply as “a device for storing, processing and retrieving information”. At Egan Meyer we used the term “computer-based offence” to specifically refer to cybercrime, where the alleged criminal activity is carried out by means of a computer or the internet.
Cybercrime and the Computer Misuse Act 1990
Jim Meyer has defended clients accused of offences under the Computer Misuse Act since it became law, successfully defending clients accused of:
- Unauthorised access to computer material;
- Unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate commission of further offences;
- Unauthorised acts with intent to impair, or with recklessness as to impairing, the operation of a computer;
- Unauthorised acts causing, or creating risk of, serious damage; and
- Making, supplying or obtaining articles for use in the above offences.
Dark Web
Egan Meyer’s lawyers have defended clients accused of nefarious activity on the ‘dark web’, including the unlawful distribution of drugs, weapons and indecent material, as well as handling stolen goods and blackmail.
Distribution of “Pirated” Copyright Material
Egan Meyer has a long pedigree of defending individuals accused of setting up and operating websites and file sharing platforms used to illegally distribute films, videos, software and music.
Cyber Terrorism
Egan Meyer also has the expertise to advise clients accused of so-called cyber terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Identity Theft and Phishing Scams
Egan Meyer has the experience to properly defend its clients accused of offences involving trashing, phishing, smishing and vishing, and in particular associated criminal activities of credit card fraud, bank fraud, tax rebate fraud, benefit fraud and telecommunications fraud.
Cyber Stalking
Jim Meyer and Richard Egan have successfully defended clients accused of using electronic communications to harass or frighten someone, also known as cyber-stalking.
Revenge Porn
Egan Meyer has a successful track-record in defending clients accused of sharing sexual photos or videos of another without their consent and with the purpose of causing embarrassment or distress, commonly referred to as “revenge porn”.
Indecent Images Cases
One of the most frequently-requested defence services asked of Jim Meyer and Richard Egan relates to allegations of possession and distribution of indecent images.