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Covered by New York Times, and other outlets. Fake heiress accused of conning the city’s wealthy, and has an HBO special being made about her.

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Accused of stalking Alec Baldwin. The case garnered nationwide attention, with USAToday, NYPost, and other media outlets following it closely.

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Meet Todd Spodek

WE PROVIDE WHITE GLOVE SERVICE TO CLIENTS
WHO WANT MORE FROM THEIR ATTORNEY

The Spodek Law Group understands how delicate high-profile cases can be, and has a strong track record of getting positive outcomes. Our lawyers service a clientele that is nationwide. With offices in both LA and NYC, and cases all across the country - Spodek Law Group is a top tier law firm.

Todd Spodek is a second generation attorney with immense experience. He has many years of experience handling 100’s of tough and hard to win trials. He’s been featured on major news outlets, such as New York Post, Newsweek, Fox 5 New York, South China Morning Post, Insider.com, and many others.

In 2022, Netflix released a series about one of Todd’s clients: Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin.

Why Clients Choose Spodek Law Group

The reason is simple: clients want white glove service, and lawyers who can win. Every single client who works with the Spodek Law Group is aware that the attorney they hire could drastically change the outcome of their case. Hiring the Spodek Law Group means you’re taking your future seriously. Our lawyers handle cases nationwide, ranging from NYC to LA. Our philosophy is fair and simple: our nyc criminal lawyers only take on clients who we know will benefit from our services.

We’re selective about the clients we work with, and only take on cases we know align with our experience – and where we can make a difference. This is different from other law firms who are not invested in your success nor care about your outcome.

If you have a legal issue, call us for a consultation.
We are available 24/7, to help you with any – and all, challenges you face.

What Is the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (“CFAA”)?

By Spodek Law Group | April 1, 2022
(Last Updated On: February 26, 2023)

Last Updated on: 26th February 2023, 10:25 am

Even though the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act was signed into law in 1986, it has become increasingly relevant throughout the 21st century. This law was put into place to essentially criminalize any acts of hacking or similar intrusions into a computer. The penalties associated with crimes that fall under the CFAA can be severe, which is why it’s important to understand what the CFAA entails.

What Does the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act Entail?

The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act was designed to criminalize acts that involve intentionally accessing computers without being authorized to do so. When the act was first created in 1986, it was meant to combat numerous types of computer crime. Since computers were still relatively new at that point in time, the act wasn’t as comprehensive as it would become. Since 1986, the act has been amended and expanded numerous times to ensure that it remained on pace with technological advancements.
At the moment, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act directly criminalizes conduct like:

  • Any type of extortion that involves computers
  • Knowingly accessing one or more computers without having authorization to do so
  • Obtaining any amount of protected information by remaining on a computer after authorized access has ended
  • Causing damage to a computer by knowingly transmitting a program, command, information, or code with intent to cause damage
  • Recklessly damaging a computer after gaining unauthorized access
  • Knowingly engaging in defraud trafficking of information or passwords
  • Accessing a computer without authorization and acquiring anything with a value of at least $5,000 in a one-year period

Keep in mind that someone doesn’t need to actually commit these acts in order to be charged with a crime under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. A conspiracy or attempt to commit this type of act is also criminalized through the CFAA. Violating this law can come with jail time of as much as 10 years for the first offense and 20 years for the second offense. The exact types of penalties that could be attributed to a CFAA case depend on the type of offense that was committed.

Possible CFAA Offenses

There are around 10 distinct CFAA offenses that someone could be charged with. These offenses and the penalties associated with them include:

  • Trafficking in passwords – One year
  • Trespassing on a government computer – One year
  • Obtaining any amount of national security information – 10 years
  • Accessing any computer and acquiring information – One or five years
  • Recklessly damaging after gaining intentional access – One or five years
  • Accessing any computer to knowingly defraud and obtain value – Five years
  • Obtaining intentional access before negligently damaging the computer – One year
  • Extortion via a computer – Five years
  • Causing intentional damage by knowingly transmitting data or code – 1-10 years
  • Conspiracy or attempt to commit one of these acts – 10 years

Keep in mind that second offenses for any of these acts can carry prison terms that range from 10-20 years.

How a Civil Cause of Action Could Apply

In most situations, a violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act will be a criminal case. However, plaintiffs could pursue a civil cause of action, which might eventually turn into a lawsuit. In order to pursue this type of action, the plaintiff will need to demonstrate that:

  • The total loss during a one-year period exceeded $5,000
  • Physical injury to a person
  • Damage affecting a U.S. Government computer
  • Damage affecting at least 10 protected computers throughout a one-year period
  • A threat to the public’s health and safety

Civil actions pertaining to the CFAA have been increasing in recent years and will likely continue to rise in the next decade.
If you have been charged with any of the aforementioned crimes that fall under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, contact our criminal offense attorneys today to inquire about our services or to schedule an initial consultation.

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Testimonials

I was searching for a law firm with some power to help me deal with a warrant in New York . After 6 days I decided to go with Spodek Law Group. It helped that This law firm is well respected by not only the top law firms in New York , but the DA , Judge as well. I...

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It was my good fortune to retain Spodek Law Group for representation for my legal needs. From the beginning, communication was prompt and thorough. Todd, Kenneth and Alex were the first people I worked with and they all made me feel comfortable and confident that the team was going to work hard for me. Everything was explained and any concerns...

~A G

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After meeting with several law firms, I chose the Spodek Law Group not only for their professionalism and experience, but for the personal attention given to me right from the initial consultation. It is important to recognize how crucial having the right legal team is when faced with potentially life altering events that impact families and the lives of loved...

~George Cherubini

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