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Internet Crimes Attorney Protecting The Rights Of The Accused In Georgia

Last updated on August 12, 2026

The internet has changed the way we talk, work and live. To reflect these digital advances, the law has also changed how it defines a crime. For those accused of internet crimes, navigating these changing regulations can feel like an impossible challenge during an already stressful time.

At Fitzgerald Law, I know how difficult navigating the legal system can be. I also understand how serious these online offenses are. I am attorney Keith Fitzgerald, and from my office in Macon, I bring over 15 years of legal experience to the defense of those accused of internet crimes. I am ready to create a personalized defense strategy based on your specific situation. Whether you’re facing allegations of identity theft, hacking or another cybercrime, I am here to help.

What Are Internet Crimes?

Internet crime – also called cybercrime – is a broad category of charges united by their use of the internet. These charges cover a variety of illegal activities conducted online, including the following:

Hacking: A person gaining access to or changing data in computers or networks without permission, which could include data theft or installing harmful software without knowledge.
Fraud: These charges involve any type of fraud scheme that uses the internet, email, software or any other form of digital communication to deceive people and take advantage of them.
Identity theft: This arises when a person uses someone else’s personal information without their permission to commit fraud, which might involve making unauthorized transactions or accessing private data.
Phishing: This occurs when someone is tricking people into giving away sensitive information by pretending to be a reliable entity in digital communications.
Cyberstalking: Repeatedly harassing or threatening someone through the internet, email or other digital means, this could include sending threatening messages or secretly watching someone’s activities online.
Distributing illegal content: This charge results from Illegally sharing, selling or distributing digital materials, such as copyrighted movies, music and software; prohibited content, such as child pornography and material that incites violence.
Online impersonation: This is when someone knowingly assumes another person’s identity without consent through social media, email, or other digital channels; examples include fake profiles, spoofed emails, account takeovers and AI-generated deepfakes.
Credit card fraud: Someone uses a credit or debit card without authorization to purchase goods, obtain services, or withdraw funds. Because it frequently relies on online portals and payment networks, it is commonly prosecuted under internet and computer crime statutes.

Because of the many forms that internet crime charges can take, these allegations may involve many different laws. At Fitzgerald Law, I will use over a decade of experience in state and federal courts and a meticulous examination of the facts of your case to build a strong defense.

State Vs. Federal Cybercrime Charges

The moment an internet crime investigation begins, one of the most critical factors dictating the severity of the case is jurisdiction. Here are some key differences:

Federal: If your case is moved to federal court, you may face a highly aggressive prosecution system that boasts a high conviction rate. Federal authorities rarely make an arrest until they have spent months, or even years, quietly building an airtight case.
State: In Georgia, internet and digital offenses are fiercely prosecuted under local statutes, primarily driven by the Georgia Computer Systems Protection Act (O.C.G.A. § 16-9-90 et seq.) Georgia law treats most cybercrimes as major felonies from the very first offense.

An online offense can be prosecuted at the state level, the federal level or both simultaneously. With the help of an internet crimes attorney, you can better protect your rights.

What Penalties Might You Face For Cybercrime Charges?

Just as there are many types of internet crimes, the penalties for them can vary widely. The nature and severity of the crime, the jurisdiction and the exact laws involved all matter. Depending on your situation, you could face thousands of dollars in fines and years or even decades in prison.

Factors That Determine Cybercrime Sentencing

Courts do not look at internet crimes in a vacuum. Judges evaluate aggregating factors to determine penalties:

The financial loss amount: In fraud, identity theft, or phishing cases, the total dollar value of the alleged theft heavily dictates the length of the prison sentence.
The number of victims: Targeting multiple individuals, corporations, or financial institutions exponentially increases the severity of the penalties.
The sophistication of the operation: Utilizing custom malware, complex encryption, or operating an organized online ring results in much harsher sentencing guidelines.
The nature of the data: Compromising protected entities such as government databases, healthcare systems or systems involving minors can trigger mandatory sentencing enhancements.

The more of these factors that apply to your case, the more critical it becomes to have an experienced internet crimes attorney to challenge the prosecution’s narrative and minimize your exposure.

Call Fitzgerald Law For A Consultation With An Internet Crimes Attorney

Accusations of internet crimes do not have to cast a shadow over your future. Contact me today at 478-787-4480 or through my online contact page to schedule a consultation with an experienced internet crimes lawyer.