Computer Crime Attorney In Bend

Experienced Help For Serious Online Crime Allegations

If you have been contacted about a computer or internet investigation, or you are already facing charges, the situation can feel overwhelming. Your devices may be gone, officers may have searched your home, and you may have no idea what to say or do next. You need clear guidance and a steady legal team on your side.

At Ward Grover & Thomas, we are a Bend criminal defense firm with more than 50 years of combined experience in Oregon and federal courts. Our attorneys focus on criminal defense, and we regularly handle complex and sensitive cases. When someone is accused of an online offense, our goal is to protect their rights and future from the very first call. Computer and internet crime allegations often move quickly, and early choices can affect what happens later. We offer confidential consultations so you can talk through what is happening, understand your options, and decide how to move forward with a team that is fully committed to your defense.

Call (541) 312-5150 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more. Our attorneys are ready to help.

Computer & Internet Crime Charges

People come to us with many different types of computer and internet-related accusations. Some involve allegations of unauthorized access or hacking into accounts or networks. Others involve online financial activity that police claim is fraudulent, or allegations that illegal content was downloaded, shared, or stored on a device.

Some cases focus on communication. These can include claims of online harassment or stalking, threats made on social media, or technology used during domestic disputes. In some situations, the issue arises at work, where an employer or agency accuses someone of misusing business systems or data.

Depending on the facts, charges may be filed in Deschutes County Circuit Court in Bend, or they may involve federal agencies and prosecutors in federal court. Federal computer and internet crime laws can carry serious penalties, so it is important to work with a team that is comfortable in both systems. Our attorneys have handled a wide range of serious criminal matters, including federal and sex offenses and white-collar cases, which often involve sensitive allegations and complex evidence.

In many investigations, digital records like IP addresses, account logins, or file-sharing logs are treated as if they tell the whole story. In reality, those records can be misinterpreted, incomplete, or linked to the wrong person. As a computer crime lawyer Bend residents can turn to, we work to look behind the surface of the evidence and understand what it really shows, instead of accepting it at face value.

What To Do If You Are Investigated

If officers arrive with a warrant, seize your devices, or ask you to “come in and talk,” it is natural to want to explain yourself. Many people believe that if they just answer questions, the problem will go away. Unfortunately, statements made in that moment can be used against you and can limit your options later.

You may also feel pressure to quickly delete files, close accounts, or try to “clean up” your digital life. These actions can create additional issues, including separate accusations, and they can interfere with your attorney’s ability to review what really happened. The safest step is usually to pause and speak with counsel before you do anything else.

We regularly talk with people in Bend and across Central Oregon who are in this exact position. Some have only received a phone call from a detective. Others have already seen their home searched and electronics taken. Whatever your situation, you do not need to navigate it alone. A cyber crime attorney Bend clients trust can help you decide what to say, what not to say, and how to respond.

When you learn of an investigation or charge, it can help to:

• Contact a criminal defense firm promptly so you can get advice before speaking with law enforcement.
• Avoid deleting files, wiping devices, or asking others to change or remove information related to the case.
• Decline interviews or detailed conversations with officers until you have talked with an attorney about your rights.
• Gather basic information about what happened, including any paperwork, business policies, or messages you have received.

Every case is different, so this list is only a starting point. When you call our office, we talk through your specific circumstances and help you understand what steps are most appropriate in your situation.

How Our Defense Team Helps You

When you contact Ward Grover & Thomas, our priority is to understand what is happening and where you are in the process. We listen to your concerns, review any paperwork you have, and talk with you about how the investigation has unfolded so far. From there, we work to develop a plan that fits your case and your goals.

Our attorneys conduct an in-depth analysis of the allegations. This generally includes reviewing police reports, charging documents, and any discovery that has been provided. In computer and internet crime matters, it also often includes examining search warrants, looking at how devices were seized, and considering what digital information investigators claim supports the charges.

Because these cases often hinge on technical material, we work with investigators and appropriate experts whenever that is helpful. Their role can include evaluating how evidence was collected, whether proper procedures were followed, and whether logs or other records actually support the conclusions the government is drawing. Our goal is to identify weaknesses, inconsistencies, or gaps in the story presented by the prosecution.

From there, we build a defense strategy that fits the facts and your individual situation. In some cases, that might involve challenging whether you were actually the person using a device or account. In others, it may involve contesting whether the government can prove you understood what was happening or intended the result they claim. As a cyber crime lawyer Bend clients rely on, we take the time to match the defense to the specific allegations, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Throughout your case, we stay focused on communication. We explain what is happening in clear terms, talk with you about options such as negotiations or motions, and prepare you for hearings or trials when they occur. Our team is committed to zealous and compassionate representation, and we stand with you from the early stages of investigation through final resolution.

Local Criminal Defense In Bend

When you are facing computer or internet crime accusations where you live, it matters that your attorneys know the courts and procedures you are likely to encounter. Many of our clients appear in Deschutes County Circuit Court in Bend, where state-level charges are typically heard. We are familiar with how cases move through that courthouse and the practical steps involved at each stage.

Some matters, especially those involving broader investigations or certain categories of alleged conduct, may proceed in federal court in Oregon. Federal cases often involve different rules, different timelines, and different agencies. Our team has experience representing clients in both state and federal criminal courts, and we draw on that background when we advise you about risks and options.

Online investigations sometimes begin with local or regional officers, then expand to involve additional agencies. When that happens, it can feel like the situation is growing beyond your control. Working with an internet crime attorney, Bend residents can meet locally, which allows them to sit down with our team, review what is happening, and plan for the hearings and decisions that are ahead.

Because we are based in this community, we also understand how these accusations can affect your work, schooling, and family life here in Central Oregon. That local knowledge helps us talk with you realistically about how a case might intersect with your day-to-day responsibilities and what conditions or restrictions might be at issue if the court imposes them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the police seize my computer?

The safest step is to contact a criminal defense attorney before you answer questions or sign anything. You generally should not try to retrieve devices on your own or discuss the case with officers without counsel. Our team can review any paperwork and help you decide how to respond.

Can your team handle federal cybercrime charges?

Yes. Our attorneys represent clients in Oregon state courts and in federal court. Some computer and internet crime cases involve federal agencies and statutes, which can increase potential penalties. We draw on our experience in both systems to advise you about exposure and possible defense strategies.

How will you challenge the digital evidence against me?

We review how the evidence was obtained, what it actually shows, and whether procedures were followed. When helpful, we work with investigators or appropriate experts to examine logs, devices, and reports. Our goal is to identify weaknesses or gaps in the prosecution’s digital proof and use those in your defense.

Will you keep my computer crime case confidential?

Conversations with our attorneys are confidential, and we treat every client with respect and discretion. Allegations involving online activity can feel especially personal and stigmatizing. We work to create a space where you can talk openly so we can understand what happened and plan a defense together.

When should I contact an attorney about internet charges?

It is usually best to speak with an attorney as soon as you learn of an investigation or potential charge. Early advice can help you avoid statements or actions that might harm your case. We are prepared to get involved at the investigative stage and continue through court proceedings.

Talk To Our Criminal Defense Team

Computer, cyber, and internet crime accusations can threaten your record, your work, and your reputation, but you do not have to face them on your own. At Ward Grover & Thomas, our Bend criminal defense team draws on more than 50 years of combined experience in Oregon and federal courts to guide clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

We provide careful case analysis, work with investigators and appropriate experts when needed, and build defense strategies that fit each client’s unique situation. As an internet crime lawyer, Bend residents can contact us locally. We focus on clear communication, confidentiality, and nonjudgmental support from investigation through trial. If you or someone you care about is facing allegations involving computer or online activity, we encourage you to reach out promptly so we can talk about next steps and how we may be able to help.

Call (541) 312-5150 to schedule a confidential consultation with our criminal defense team.