Contact us for unauthorized use of a computerized communication system defense.  (414) 270-0202

At Van Severen Law Office we dedicate our entire practice to criminal defense.  That means we regularly defend charges like unauthorized use of a computerized communication system charges.  The charge is a Class B misdemeanor, meaning that upon conviction the maximum penalty you face is 90 days in jail, $1,000.00 in fines, or both.  Avoiding these consequences and the negative mark on your permanent record is of utmost importance to us.

When we say we dedicate our entire practice to criminal defense, that’s no understatement.  Frequently law firms are simply interested in taking your money for any kind of work. Thankfully, at Van Severen Law Office we’ve built on reputation as criminal defense specialists.  We do not represent individuals in civil cases.  And the reason for this is simple: constant dedication to criminal defense makes us better criminal defense lawyers.  And better criminal defense lawyers achieve better results for their clients.  That certainly means you.

Finally, our criminal defense attorneys are available 24/7 to speak with you regarding your criminal case.  Feel free to call us overnight, on the weekends, on on holidays.  If we’re unavailable, we’ll return your call as soon as possible.  Let’s start fighting your case.  (414) 270-0202

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What is unlawful use of computerized communication systems?

Section 947.0125(2) of the Wisconsin Statutes describes unlawful use of a computerized communication system. All sections require the defendant act with intent to frighten, intimidate, threaten, abuse, or harass another.  The defendant then:

(2) Whoever does any of the following is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor:
(a) … sends a message to the person on an electronic mail or other computerized communication system and in that message threatens to inflict injury or physical harm to any person or the property of any person.
(b) … sends a message on an electronic mail or other computerized communication system with the reasonable expectation that the person will receive the message and in that message threatens to inflict injury or physical harm to any person or the property of any person.
(c) … sends a message to the person on an electronic mail or other computerized communication system and in that message uses any obscene, lewd or profane language or suggests any lewd or lascivious act.
(d) … sends a message on an electronic mail or other computerized communication system with the reasonable expectation that the person will receive the message and in that message uses any obscene, lewd or profane language or suggests any lewd or lascivious act.
(e)… sends a message to the person on an electronic mail or other computerized communication system while intentionally preventing or attempting to prevent the disclosure of his or her own identity.
(f) While intentionally preventing or attempting to prevent the disclosure of his or her identity and with intent to frighten, intimidate, threaten or abuse another person, sends a message on an electronic mail or other computerized communication system with the reasonable expectation that the person will receive the message.

What are the elements of this offense?

All crimes have elements, which are the same things as parts of an offense.  Wisconsin Criminal Jury Instruction 1908 describes one version of unlawful use of a computerized communication system:

  • Firstly, the defendant sent a message to the victim on an electronic mail or a computerized communication system; and
  • Secondly, the defendant sent the message to the victim with intent to fright, intimidate, threaten, abuse, or harass the victim; and
  • Finally, in the message the defendant threatened to inflict physical harm to, or damage the property of, another person.

You’ll notice that the law focuses on “electronic mail” and “computerized communication systems.”  The purpose of this law is certainly to supplement unlawful use of a telephone charges.  That crime focuses on making an actual phone call to conduct criminal activity.  This offense includes emails, and, importantly, text messages.

With intent to frighten, intimidate, threaten, abuse, or harass means that the defendant acted with the mental purpose to frighten, intimidate, threaten, abuse, or harass another person and was aware that the conduct was practically certain to cause that result.
Finally, unlawful use of a computer charges have four other different versions.  For the most accurate description of your charges, certainly call us.
A man texts on a phone
Unlawful use of a computerized communication system is a misdemeanor in Wisconsin. Contact the criminal defense lawyers at (414) 270-0202 to begin fighting your charges.

How do we defend my unlawful use of a computerized communication system charge?

First of all, can the government prove you did it?  Frequently individuals who commit crimes like this go through different measures to hide or obscure their identity.  Certainly if that occurred in your case, the government may have a difficult time connecting you to the charges.  For example, did you use a burner phone?  Did you use some sort of technical program, TOR, or VPN to hide your identity?

If you did, that might make the government’s case more difficult to prove.  Certainly that doesn’t always work, though.  And defendants frequently waive their Miranda rights and speak with police.  If the government cannot connect you to the actual messages, maintaining your right to silence is of utmost importance.  Admitting the conduct certainly draws the connection between you and the case closer.

Finally, contact Van Severen Law Office for immediate help.

The criminal defense lawyers at Van Severen Law Office dedicate their entire practice to criminal defense representation.  We certainly recognize that the charges you’re facing could result serious anxiety about the future.  It’s likely that facing criminal charges is one of the worst things that has ever happened to you.  We understand that, and we’re here to help you.  We certainly recognize that a strong, aggressive ally is exactly what you need throughout this.

Contact us immediately.  We can’t become that ally until you make the call. And we certainly can’t start fighting the case until you make the call.  Contact us immediately at (414) 270-0202.  Let’s start fighting.

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