Last Updated on August 25, 2026 by Justin E. Sterling

If you’re facing accusations tied to hacking, fraud, or online misconduct, you need a Los Angeles internet crime lawyer who understands the technology and the laws behind those allegations. Internet crime cases move quickly, and the government often starts building its argument long before you know an investigation even exists. An experienced internet crime attorney can review the evidence against you, protect your rights during questioning, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the facts.

Based in L.A., the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling is a hard-hitting criminal defense firm representing clients throughout Southern California. Call or contact us now for a free consultation.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling for Your Internet Crime Case?

Attorney Justin E. Sterling is a Los Angeles native with over 20 years of trial experience. As a former trial attorney for the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, he has tried more than 100 jury trials to verdict in courts throughout California, including cases handled by the High-Tech Crimes Unit. He intentionally keeps his caseload small so he can personally provide every client with the attention they deserve. His in-house team includes former senior law enforcement professionals with backgrounds in forensic toxicology, DNA analysis, and eyewitness identification — the kind of resources that can make or break a criminal case.

In one recent matter, our law firm represented a client under federal investigation for conspiracy to commit fraud. The United States Attorney’s Office pursued the case for eight months before our team’s advocacy convinced the authorities to drop the charges entirely. Past results don’t guarantee similar outcomes in any future case, but they do reflect our firm’s aggressive approach and unwillingness to let the government’s resources go unchecked.

Here’s how one former client described their experience with our law firm:

“I had a great experience working with Justin. His knowledge of the district attorneys and court system is invaluable. What really stood out to me was how Justin went above and beyond by taking the time to review another law office’s retainer agreement that I was considering signing. He made sure I had all the information that I needed before making a decision. This level of care and transparency is what ultimately drove me to choose him for representation. He wasn’t just focused on signing me as a client; he genuinely wanted to make sure I was well informed and comfortable. If you’re looking for an attorney who is professional, thorough, and looks out for your best interest, I highly recommend Justin!”

What Counts as an Internet or Cyber Crime in California?

California prosecutes a wide range of computer crimes and computer-related activities under several statutes, including:

A federal internet fraud lawyer in Los Angeles can determine which statutes apply to your situation and whether your case belongs in state or federal court.

How Do Internet Crime Investigations and Prosecutions Work?

In Los Angeles, state-level investigations of internet crimes typically begin with the LAPD’s Cyber Crimes Section, which handles cases involving complex internet, high-technology, or cyber-enabled offenses. The unit refers cases to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing decisions. Federal cases follow a different path, often starting with the FBI Cyber Division and proceeding through the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

If federal agencies believe they have a case, they may send you a target letter notifying you that a grand jury is examining your conduct. This letter may be followed by subpoenas, search warrants for phones and computers, and a forensic review of seized devices.

At both the state and federal levels, early intervention can change the trajectory of these cases. An experienced cybercrime defense attorney can intervene before charges are filed, negotiate directly with investigators, and, in some circumstances, prevent an indictment altogether.

What Are the Penalties for an Internet Crime Conviction in Los Angeles?

Internet crime penalties in California vary. Most California computer crimes qualify as “wobblers,” meaning prosecutors can charge them as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts, the amount of loss involved, and your criminal history. If a wobbler offense is charged as a felony, the consequences can include years in prison, substantial fines, and restitution obligations.

Certain offenses also carry enhanced consequences beyond incarceration. For example, convictions involving child pornography or specific cyberstalking conduct can trigger mandatory sex offender registration that can last for years. Additionally, federal offenses carry their own sentencing guidelines, which often include longer prison terms than comparable state charges.

Which Court Will Hear My Case?

It depends on the nature of the alleged offense. State felony cases proceed through the Los Angeles County Superior Court system. Federal cases, including those involving allegations of interstate computer fraud or large-scale schemes, proceed through the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Case jurisdiction can affect everything from your available defenses to your sentencing exposure, so it’s worth consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you understand the legal process early on.

Common Defenses to Internet Crime Charges

Every criminal defense strategy is unique. Common defenses raised in internet crime prosecutions focus on:

  • Lack of intent: Many statutes require proof that you knowingly and willfully committed the act.
  • Mistaken identity or IP misattribution: Shared networks, spoofed addresses, and compromised devices can all point investigators toward the wrong person.
  • Consent: Some allegations involve access or activity that the alleged victim actually authorized.
  • Insufficient evidence: Prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and gaps in the digital forensic trail can undermine that.
  • Entrapment: If an undercover law enforcement officer coerced you to commit an online crime that you otherwise would not have done, entrapment may be a viable offense.
  • Scope-of-employment exception: Authorized computer system access within the scope of a job may not constitute a crime under California law.

Why Los Angeles Internet Crime Cases Are on the Rise

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) receives as many as 3,000 complaints of cyber-enabled crimes per day, with reported financial losses reaching into the billions. According to an FBI news release, California ranked first in the nation for the number of complaints submitted by the public in a recent year, with cryptocurrency fraud, phishing/spoofing, and extortion named among the top three cybercrimes.

Modern law enforcement coordination now makes it easier for investigators and prosecutors to connect isolated incidents into larger cases. In addition, widely available AI tools also make it easier for people to unintentionally cross legal lines, whether through automated messaging, account access, or online financial activity that later draws scrutiny. As reporting and detection tools improve, more people who never intended to break the law are finding themselves facing serious accusations of internet offenses.

Contact Our Los Angeles Internet Crime Lawyer for a Free Case Review

If you’re facing criminal charges for an internet crime, don’t wait for the government to build its case further. Get the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling on your side now. Our firm offers free consultations and direct access to Justin E. Sterling himself, not a paralegal or junior associate. Let our in-house investigators and forensic experts start building a strong defense for you and fight aggressively for the best possible outcome. Contact us now for a free, confidential case review.