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NEW YORK CITY CYBER CRIME DEFENSE ATTORNEY

The internet never forgets — and neither does law enforcement. In New York City, prosecutors and investigators now treat digital evidence with the same weight as fingerprints or DNA. A simple online action — a file download, a social media message, or a login — can be misinterpreted as criminal intent.

For those accused of cyber crimes in New York, the experience is terrifying. Suddenly, the tools you use every day — your phone, laptop, email — become part of the case against you. But digital trails aren’t always what they seem. And a skilled defense can expose just how easily that evidence can be manipulated or misunderstood.

When Online Behavior Becomes a Criminal Charge

New York’s computer and internet laws are written broadly. Acts that once seemed harmless or purely technical can now lead to felony prosecution. We’ve seen clients accused of:

  • Accessing a shared system or account without authorization

  • Downloading files that investigators later labeled “illegal content”

  • Communicating online with someone who misrepresented their age

  • Participating in online business transactions later tied to fraud

Under New York Penal Law Article 156 (Computer Crimes) and federal laws such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), prosecutors have extraordinary discretion. A single email or IP address may be used to implicate you in something you never did.

That’s why it’s critical to involve an experienced New York City cyber crime lawyer before speaking with investigators or responding to subpoenas.

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The Defense Begins With the Data

Digital evidence is powerful and fragile. A single keystroke or network misconfiguration can alter timestamps, overwrite logs, or change metadata. Our defense strategy starts with a forensic audit of every piece of evidence the prosecution intends to use.

We work with digital forensic experts who understand packet traces, encryption, and metadata integrity. We question how data was gathered, whether warrants were specific, and whether investigators exceeded the lawful scope of their search.

Most importantly, we tell your story — in clear human terms — so that a jury sees more than just IP addresses and code.

Federal Cyber Crime Prosecutions in NYC

New York City is home to some of the nation’s most active federal jurisdictions: the Southern District (SDNY) and Eastern District (EDNY). These offices lead many cyber investigations in partnership with the FBI, Secret Service, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

If your case is federal, the stakes are higher: mandatory sentencing guidelines, sophisticated digital forensics, and media attention. You need an attorney who can speak the language of both the courtroom and the code. We’ve defended clients in federal computer crime cases involving allegations of hacking, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, and online financial schemes.

Protecting Your Reputation and Digital Future

Cyber allegations don’t just threaten your freedom — they endanger your reputation. A single press release or online headline can linger long after the case is over. We move quickly to limit exposure, manage media inquiries, and protect your name from online damage that can outlast the trial itself.

Professionals, executives, and business owners trust us because we understand discretion. Many of our most significant victories are the cases that never make the news at all.

Let Hughes Law Battle your Case

A cybercrime case demands more than legal experience; it requires technological fluency and strategic storytelling. Evan Hughes combines years of criminal defense work with deep experience handling complex digital investigations. He works closely with cybersecurity specialists, forensic analysts, and technology consultants to dismantle the prosecution’s version of events.

If you’re being investigated or charged with a computer or internet-related crime, time matters. Evidence can vanish. Investigators move fast. The earlier you call, the more control we can take back.

Schedule a Case Evaluation with Hughes Law