Unauthorized Use of a Computer Lawyer Tompkins County, NY
An accusation involving unauthorized use of a computer can disrupt your personal life, your professional standing, and your future opportunities. In Tompkins County, New York, these charges are prosecuted seriously, often carrying potential jail time, fines, and a lasting criminal record. The legal issues can be complex: questions of consent, access privileges, digital forensics, and the precise wording of the New York Penal Law all intersect. Mr. Sris, the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals in Tompkins County who face computer-related criminal charges. The firm has practiced since 1997, and its attorneys understand the local court system—from the Tompkins County Criminal Court to the Tompkins County Supreme Court. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Unauthorized Use of a Computer Means in Tompkins County
New York Penal Law § 156.05 defines unauthorized use of a computer. A person commits this offense when they knowingly use, cause to be used, or access a computer, computer service, or computer network without authorization. The statute applies broadly—it can cover accessing an employer’s system after termination, using someone else’s login credentials, or exceeding the scope of permitted access on a shared device. In Tompkins County, the charge may be filed as a class A misdemeanor, though facts that involve theft, extensive damage, or repeated conduct can elevate the matter to a felony classification under other sections of the Penal Law.
Tompkins County, situated in New York’s Finger Lakes region and including the city of Ithaca, sees computer-related cases arise in a variety of settings: disputes at educational institutions, workplace conflicts, and personal relationships. The case will be heard in either the Local Criminal Court (for misdemeanor-level offenses) or the Tompkins County Supreme Court Criminal Term (for felony cases). The Tompkins County Supreme Court, located at 320 North Tioga Street in Ithaca, operates Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m. A conviction for unauthorized use of a computer can result in a sentence of up to one year in jail, monetary fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal history. Because of the stakes, understanding the local court environment is important.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Unauthorized Use of a Computer Cases
Defending against an unauthorized-use charge begins with a careful examination of the alleged conduct. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review the forensic evidence, scrutinize the terms of any computer access policies or employment agreements, and evaluate whether the prosecution can prove knowing and unauthorized use beyond a reasonable doubt. Many cases turn on the boundary between permitted access and overreach; a defense may focus on whether the defendant had legitimate authorization or whether the allegedly accessed system was misconfigured to allow broader access than intended.
In Tompkins County, the firm’s attorneys consider every procedural and substantive option. For a first-time offender with no prior record, an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) may be available. Under an ACD, the charges are adjourned for a period of six to twelve months and then automatically dismissed if the individual stays out of further legal trouble. The firm also explores whether evidence obtained from a computer or device was collected in compliance with the Fourth Amendment and New York Criminal Procedure Law. Where appropriate, the firm negotiates with prosecutors to seek a reduction of charges or an alternative disposition that minimizes long-term collateral consequences. Throughout the process, the goal is to protect the client’s rights while working toward a favorable resolution.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice in New York, as well as in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. His background includes testimony before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635, and he has extensive courtroom experience across multiple jurisdictions. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional depth in criminal defense matters. Together, they have documented case results across a range of practice areas. Results may vary.
When you work with the firm, you gain the collective attention of professionals who appear regularly in Tompkins County courts. The attorneys know the local prosecutors, the court staff, and the precedents that shape case outcomes in the Finger Lakes region. This localized knowledge complements the multi-state experience of the firm, which is one reason defendants throughout New York turn to Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for representation. For a confidential discussion of your computer-related charge, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unauthorized use of a computer under New York law?
Unauthorized use of a computer occurs when someone knowingly uses, accesses, or causes to be used a computer, computer service, or computer network without having permission to do so. The offense is codified at New York Penal Law § 156.05 and can be charged as a class A misdemeanor. The law applies to a wide range of conduct, from hacking into a private network to using a co-worker’s login without consent. Because the statute hinges on the scope of authorization, the facts of each case matter greatly. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the alleged access went beyond the permission that was explicitly or implicitly granted.
Does New York have cash bail for unauthorized-use charges?
New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, so a person charged with unauthorized use of a computer is likely to be released on their own recognizance or under non-monetary conditions. In Tompkins County, the police may issue a desk appearance ticket (DAT) for many such offenses instead of making a custodial arrest. Bail may still be available for violent felony cases if the computer charge is accompanied by more serious allegations. An attorney can advocate for the least restrictive release conditions at the initial court appearance.
What is an ACD, and can it help with my Tompkins County computer charge?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a New York disposition that allows a defendant to avoid a conviction; the case is adjourned for six to twelve months, and if the defendant has no new arrests during that time, the charges are automatically dismissed. ACDs are frequently available for first-time, non-violent offenses in Tompkins County—including unauthorized-use charges. Successfully completing an ACD can also qualify the individual for sealing of the records. Eligibility depends on the specific facts and the prosecutor’s consent, so having counsel to present a compelling argument for an ACD is valuable.
Can I have a record sealed after an unauthorized-use charge in Tompkins County?
Sealing is possible in many circumstances, especially if the case ends in a dismissal or an ACD. Under CPL § 160.59, a person with up to two qualifying convictions can apply for conditional sealing after a ten-year waiting period. For charges that are dismissed—whether through an acquittal, a nolle prosequi, or an ACD—records are generally sealed automatically after a period of time. A conviction for unauthorized use of a computer, as a misdemeanor, may also be eligible for sealing later, provided the applicant has remained crime-free. An attorney can assess your eligibility and guide you through the sealing process in Tompkins County.
What should I do if I am accused of unauthorized computer use in Ithaca or Tompkins County?
Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney, and do not post about it on social media. Preserve any documents, emails, or electronic records that could relate to the alleged access, but do not alter or delete anything. Seek legal representation as soon as possible. Early intervention by counsel can influence how the case is charged, what evidence is preserved, and whether release conditions are set. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., you can request a consultation to go over the specifics of your situation; call (888) 437-7747 to speak with a member of the firm.
Additional Local Resources
New York County Criminal Defense Lawyer |
Kings County Criminal Defense Lawyer |
Queens County Criminal Defense Lawyer |
Richmond County Criminal Defense Lawyer |
Nassau County Criminal Defense Lawyer
For further reference, consult the New York Penal Law at the New York State Senate website and the Tompkins County Supreme Court information at nycourts.gov.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Practicing since 1997.