Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime

In Michigan, there are many crimes where you can be charged with both the underlying crime and the additional crime of using a computer to commit a crime.  The computer crime can often carry a potential prison term which exceeds that of the underlying criminal charge.  The attorneys at The Kronzek Firm have an excellent record at defending these criminal violations.  We are prepared to offer you a free initial consultation and are available 24/7 for emergency situations. Call us at (866) 766-5245. You owe it to yourself to consider our expert criminal defense attorneys.

Using a Computer to Commit a Crime

Using a computer, computer system, computer program, or computer network to commit a crime is prohibited by law. This includes attempting to commit a crime, conspiring to commit an offense, or soliciting another individual to break the law.

An individual may also be charged with any other offense that occurs while violating or attempting to violate this statute, including the underlying crime. Additionally, this statute applies regardless of whether the individual is convicted of the underlying offense or not.

Penalties For Use of a Computer to Commit a Crime

If the underlying offense is a misdemeanor or a felony with a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail, then the person may be charged with a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail, a fine of no more than $5,000.00, or both.

For an underlying crime that is a misdemeanor or felony with a maximum penalty from 1 year in prison up to 2 years, the person may be charged with a felony with a maximum penalty up to 2 years in prison, a fine up to $5,000.00, or both.

If the underlying offense is a misdemeanor or felony with a maximum penalty of 2 to 4 years, then this is classified as a felony with a maximum penalty of 4 years in prison, a fine up to $5,000.00, or both.

For an underlying offense that is a felony with a maximum penalty of 4 to 10 years, this is classified as a felony with a maximum penalty of 7 years in prison, a fine up to $5,000.00, or both.

If the underlying crime is a felony with a maximum penalty of 10 to 20 years in prison, then the individual may be charged with a felony with a maximum penalty up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $10,000.00, or both.

For an underlying felony with a maximum penalty of 20 years to life in prison, then the person may be charged with a felony with a maximum penalty up to 20 years in prison, a fine up to $20,000.00, or both.

Additionally, the following may be seized: All money and other income, personal property, plus all proceeds not yet received from a third party as part of the violation. Also, all computer equipment and software that the owner was aware was used in connection with the violation may be seized as well.

Computer Use Defense Attorneys

We help with all types of criminal cases, including computer hacking and accessing computers with intent to defraud. Our lawyers have decades of experience and obtained many excellent case results over the years. Have questions? The Kronzek Firm offers a free consultation at for those wanting to hire an attorney. Our attorneys are available 24/7 for emergency situations.

More Information on Michigan Computer Crimes

• A New Supreme Court Ruling Changes a LOT When it Comes to Computer Use!
  United States Supreme Court rulings get a lot of press coverage, because they usually have a significant impact on laws across the country. However, not all press coverage is created equal, and some rulings get a lot less attention than others, usually when something else is soaking up a lot of the media’s attention.  Which… Read more: A New Supreme Court Ruling Changes a LOT When it Comes to Computer Use!
• Online Fraud and Phone Scams: Watch Out For the Bad Guys!
  Although Michigan, and certainly many other states, have seen a significant drop in certain crimes like murder and burglary, the quarantine has provided a perfect environment for certain other criminal activities to flourish. Specifically, scams. The problem of financial fraud has become a very big deal since the nationwide lockdown began. With so many people… Read more: Online Fraud and Phone Scams: Watch Out For the Bad Guys!
• What Happens When You Steal Someone’s Identity in Michigan? (Pt 2)
  Welcome back and thanks for joining us here at The Kronzek Firm. We’ve been talking about identity theft and how it affects people here in Michigan (although the truth is it affects people all over the world). In the previous article we looked at the different ways your personal information could be accessed, and why… Read more: What Happens When You Steal Someone’s Identity in Michigan? (Pt 2)
• What Happens When You Steal Another Person’s Identity in Michigan? (Pt 1)
  The definition of identity theft, to put it into simple terms, is when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission, usually for financial gain. But in truth, it’s a lot more complicated than that. Identity theft can refer to a wide variety of crimes, and be driven by a lot of… Read more: What Happens When You Steal Another Person’s Identity in Michigan? (Pt 1)
• Cyberbullying is Officially Illegal in Michigan Now
  We live in the cyber age, where people live so much of their lives online. Need a date? There are loads of apps to help you find the right person, plus apps for getting you transportation there and back, and sites you can visit for outfit ideas so you look your best. From getting groceries… Read more: Cyberbullying is Officially Illegal in Michigan Now
• Confused About Computer Crime in Michigan? Let’s Take a Look…
    ‘Computer crimes’ is a very vague description. The only thing that’s obvious about it, is that whatever crimes are being alluded to, require the use of a computer. However, that could be almost anything these days. From hacking and fraud, to child pornography, there’s a huge number of crimes that fall under the umbrella… Read more: Confused About Computer Crime in Michigan? Let’s Take a Look…