Computer Crime Attorney in Sarasota

Former 12th Judicial Circuit Prosecutor Defending Sarasota Computer Crime Cases

When computer crime charges are filed in Sarasota County, they move through the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, the same court where James Fowler Jr. served as a State Prosecutor. That experience inside the prosecution shapes how our team reads the government’s evidence, anticipates its next move, and identifies vulnerabilities before they become problems in court. Founded in 2013, Fowler Law Group draws on over 30 years of collective criminal defense experience across Sarasota County and the surrounding region.

We defend adults and juveniles against the full range of computer crime allegations, from unauthorized access and internet fraud to identity theft and charges involving illegal digital content. Our attorneys are recognized by The National Trial Lawyers and have received SRQ Magazine’s Elite Top Attorney honors through 2026. We serve clients throughout Sarasota County, and initial consultations are provided at no cost.

Facing computer crime charges in Sarasota? Call Fowler Law Group at (941) 900-3100 to schedule your free consultation.

Computer Crimes Under Florida Law

Florida’s primary framework for prosecuting computer crimes is Chapter 815 of the Florida Statutes, known as the Florida Computer Crimes Act. Section 815.06 specifically governs offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks, and electronic devices. The Act covers unauthorized access, destruction or damage to computer equipment, introduction of malware or other contaminants, and schemes to defraud conducted through computer systems.

What many people don’t realize is how broadly these statutes apply. Accessing another person’s account without permission, even briefly, can meet the statutory threshold for criminal unauthorized access under Florida law. Beyond state charges, some defendants face parallel exposure at the federal level under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, meaning a single incident can trigger both state and federal proceedings simultaneously.

Florida’s cybercrime enforcement structure involves multiple agencies working in coordination. The Florida Attorney General’s Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, a team of criminal and civil attorneys who partner with Florida Department of Law Enforcement analysts, investigates cybercrimes statewide, and FDLE’s own Cybercrime Office carries a parallel mission to investigate complex cyber offenses and support local agencies. Sarasota’s local enforcement agencies coordinate directly with both. The investigative reach is significant, and charges often follow well after the conduct in question.

The computer crime cases we handle include:

• Hacking and Unauthorized Access: Charges involving illegal entry into computer systems or networks without authorization
• Identity Theft: Allegations of obtaining and using another person’s personal information to commit fraud
• Internet Fraud: Charges tied to online scams, deceptive schemes, and wire fraud conducted through digital platforms
• Child Sexual Abuse Material: Serious allegations involving the possession, distribution, or production of illegal digital content

Florida Computer Crime Penalties Under Fla. Stat. § 815.06

The consequences of a computer crime conviction in Florida depend on the nature and scope of the offense. Florida law establishes a felony tier structure under Section 815.06 that can result in substantial prison time even for a base violation.

Felony Tiers & Sentencing Ranges

A base violation of Section 815.06 is a third-degree felony, carrying up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. The offense is elevated to a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, when the damage or loss reaches at least $5,000, when the offense involves a scheme to defraud or obtain property, or when it impairs a government operation or public service. A first-degree felony, carrying up to 30 years in prison, applies when the violation endangers human life or disrupts medical equipment used in direct patient care.

Collateral Consequences Beyond Incarceration

Beyond incarceration and fines, a conviction can make it difficult to obtain employment, result in the loss of professional licenses, and carry immigration consequences for non-citizens. These collateral consequences can outlast any sentence, which is why the defense strategy matters from the earliest stages of an investigation.

How Computer Crime Cases Move Through Sarasota County Courts

Computer crime cases in Sarasota County are heard at the Sarasota County Judicial Center, where the 12th Judicial Circuit Court sits. James Fowler Jr.’s tenure as a prosecutor in this same circuit gives our team direct familiarity with how local prosecutors approach evidence and case preparation, and we have an established reputation among Sarasota County judges and prosecutors that can be relevant during negotiations.

Investigations frequently involve multiple agencies. Local law enforcement often works alongside the FDLE Cybercrime Office and the Attorney General’s Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, and cases with a broader scope may draw in federal authorities such as the FBI. Understanding which agencies are involved and how they share information is essential to building an effective response.

Digital forensics are at the center of almost every computer crime prosecution. Local rules governing evidence preservation and chain of custody are strictly applied, and how digital evidence was acquired, handled, and transferred can be just as important as what the evidence shows. Every email, IP log, and account activity record is potentially part of the government’s case, and investigators use specialized tools to reconstruct digital timelines. Challenging the integrity of that process is often where the defense begins.

Our Approach to Defending Computer Crime Charges

Our prosecutorial background directly informs how we review the government’s evidence. Because we understand how cases are built from the inside, we know where to look for the procedural and evidentiary gaps that matter most.

Substantive Defenses

Defenses available under Florida law include lack of intent, since many offenses under Chapter 815 require willful and knowing conduct; authorization, where the defendant had permission to access the system in question; and mistaken identity, which is a legitimate issue given the anonymous nature of much online activity. Entrapment may also apply when law enforcement induced the conduct and the defendant wasn’t predisposed to commit the offense. Florida courts have also recognized that a defendant who accessed a computer within the scope of lawful employment may not be convicted under Section 815.06, as addressed in Rodriguez v. State, 956 So.2d 1226 (Fla. 4th DCA 2007), though outcomes always depend on the specific facts of each case.

Challenging Digital Evidence

We can file motions to suppress digital evidence obtained without proper legal authority or in violation of the defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights. When the foundation of the prosecution’s case rests on improperly gathered evidence, a successful suppression motion may be significant.

Our team includes professionals with investigative backgrounds, which supports thorough case preparation and a detailed review of how the government assembled its evidence. We defend both adults and juveniles facing computer crime allegations, and our approach to juvenile matters is shaped by a focus on rehabilitation and the long-term protection of a young person’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If I’m Accused of a Computer Crime in Sarasota?

Don’t speak with law enforcement without a computer crime lawyer present. Anything you say can be used to build the case against you, even in what feels like an informal conversation. Contact Fowler Law Group immediately at (941) 900-3100 for a free consultation. The sooner we can review the situation, the more options may be available for your defense.

How Does a Computer Crime Investigation Typically Proceed in Sarasota?

Investigations often begin quietly, with law enforcement gathering digital records before any contact with the target. Local agencies coordinate with the FDLE Cybercrime Office and the Attorney General’s Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit, and in some cases federal authorities like the FBI. Investigators use specialized tools to trace digital footprints, and by the time charges are filed, the government may have already assembled a substantial record. Early legal intervention gives us the opportunity to challenge both the evidence and the process used to obtain it.

What Defenses Are Available Against Computer Crime Charges in Florida?

Common defenses include lack of intent, authorization to access the system, mistaken identity, and entrapment. We can also challenge how digital evidence was obtained and handled, including filing motions to suppress evidence gathered in violation of the Fourth Amendment. The right defense depends on the specific facts, which is why a detailed review of the evidence is always the first step.

What Penalties Can Florida Computer Crime Charges Carry?

A base violation under Fla. Stat. § 815.06 is a third-degree felony with up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. More serious circumstances can elevate the charge to a second-degree felony, with up to 15 years in prison, or a first-degree felony, with up to 30 years. Federal charges under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act carry their own separate penalties. Beyond incarceration, a conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, and immigration status.

Contact a Computer Crime Lawyer in Sarasota

A computer crime accusation can move quickly, and the decisions made in the early stages of an investigation matter. Fowler Law Group offers free initial consultations so you can understand your options without any upfront cost. We can review the facts, explain what the charges mean under Florida law, and outline a defense strategy built around your specific situation.

Call Fowler Law Group at (941) 900-3100 or reach us through our online contact form to schedule your free consultation with a computer crime attorney in Sarasota.