CFAA Violations Lawyer Burlington County — What Are Your Federal Defense Options?
A CFAA violation in Burlington County is a serious federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1030, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison for a first offense. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris understands how federal agents build these cases. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against computer fraud and hacking charges. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.
Understanding the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)
The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), codified at 18 U.S.C. § 1030, is the primary federal statute criminalizing computer-related offenses. It is a broad law that covers a range of activities beyond simple hacking, including unauthorized access to a computer, exceeding authorized access to obtain information, and causing damage to computer systems. In Burlington County, these cases are typically investigated by the FBI or Secret Service and prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Last verified: March 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, founded the firm with a commitment to “Advocacy Without Borders,” a principle that guides our aggressive defense in federal cases like CFAA violations.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1030 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the federal court handling these cases in New Jersey, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
The Federal CFAA Defense Process in New Jersey
Federal CFAA investigations often begin long before an arrest. Agents may seize computers and servers, interview associates, and review extensive digital logs. A key local procedural fact is that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey frequently pursues CFAA charges for activities involving data theft from corporations or unauthorized network intrusions, even by employees.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: You may be contacted by federal agents (FBI, Secret Service). It is critical not to speak with them without your attorney present.
- Indictment or Complaint: The government will file formal charges, often after presenting evidence to a grand jury in Newark or Trenton.
- Arraignment & Pre-Trial Motions: You will be formally charged in federal court. Your defense lawyer will file motions to challenge the evidence or the statute’s application.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney will negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a potential plea agreement or prepare for a jury trial to fight the charges.
- Sentencing: If convicted, federal sentencing guidelines will be applied, which can mandate significant prison time.
Potential Penalties for CFAA Convictions
In Burlington County, a CFAA violation prosecuted federally can result in decades of imprisonment, massive fines, and a permanent felony record, depending on the specific subsection violated and the alleged harm.
| CFAA Violation | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obtaining National Security Info (1030(a)(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years (first offense) | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Forfeiture of property |
| Accessing a Computer to Defraud (1030(a)(4)) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years (first offense) | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Restitution, loss of professional licenses |
| Damaging a Computer (1030(a)(5)) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years (first offense); up to 20 years (repeat) | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Mandatory restitution to victims |
| Password Trafficking (1030(a)(6)) | Federal Felony | Up to 1 year (first offense) | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Civil liability to affected companies |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Federal Computer Crime Defense
Defending against federal charges requires specific knowledge of both the law and the tactics of federal agencies. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who understands how the government builds its cases. This insight is critical when facing charges from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We scrutinize every aspect of the investigation, from the legality of search warrants for digital evidence to whether your access was truly “unauthorized” under the often-disputed terms of the CFAA.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in contested cases. In federal and state matters, we have successfully argued for the suppression of improperly obtained evidence, negotiated for reduced charges, and taken cases to trial when necessary. For example, our defense in a case involving alleged unauthorized access by a former employee resulted in the government significantly reducing the charges after we challenged their forensic evidence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Burlington County Federal Charges
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Serving Burlington County, NJ
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
Meetings: By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations available.
If you are under investigation or charged with a federal crime in Burlington County, you need a lawyer who knows the local federal court system. Our attorneys are familiar with the procedures of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. We defend clients throughout the county, including near Mount Holly, Moorestown, and Marlton. As your computer fraud defense lawyer Burlington County, we are available 24/7 to begin building your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions (CFAA Charges)
Is accessing my former employer’s work email a CFAA violation?
It depends. The CFAA prohibits “exceeding authorized access.” If your authorization was revoked when your employment ended, accessing the system could be a violation. Courts disagree on the scope of this law, making a strong defense essential.
Can I be charged under the CFAA for guessing a password?
Yes. Knowingly accessing a computer without authorization, which includes using a guessed or stolen password, is a violation under 18 U.S.C. § 1030(a)(2). This is a core activity the law was designed to prohibit.
What should I do if the FBI wants to talk to me about a computer issue?
Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with your attorney. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you. Contact a CFAA violations lawyer Burlington County before any discussion with federal agents.
Are CFAA charges always felonies?
Most CFAA violations are felonies, but certain first-time offenses involving simple unauthorized access without aggravating factors can be charged as misdemeanors. However, the government frequently alleges facts that elevate the charge to a felony.
What is the difference between state and federal computer crime charges?
Federal CFAA charges apply to computers involved in interstate commerce (which includes most internet-connected devices) and are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys. New Jersey also has its own computer crime laws (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-25), which may be prosecuted locally but often carry lesser penalties than federal charges.
Why do I need a specific hacking charge defense lawyer Burlington County?
Federal computer crime law is highly technical and constantly evolving. A hacking charge defense lawyer Burlington County with experience in this niche understands how to challenge digital forensics, interpret statutes, and negotiate with federal prosecutors who specialize in these cases.
Burlington County cases are handled by our New Jersey cfaa violations practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · CFAA Violations Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · CFAA Violations Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · CFAA Violations Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.