Online piracy can be as simple as downloading a song or a movie from an illegal website. While it may seem harmless, there are serious consequences related to these activities. New Jersey and federal law enforcement take online piracy seriously, and it is important that you do too.
If you are a student facing allegations of online piracy, it is important to speak with an experienced student defense attorney. A New Jersey student online piracy lawyer who can help guide you through the legal process.
Understanding Online PiracyOnline piracy is the theft of intellectual property through unauthorized taking, distribution, duplication, or other forms of infringement. Sometimes students find materials and resources online and figure that if access to those things were prohibited by law, they would not be able to access them in the first place. Other times, students may know that obtaining these materials online is illegal but believe the website will be liable for it and not them. Neither of these scenarios is true.
That means engaging in online piracy, which is also known as copyright infringement, can be an easy trap to fall into. Even when students want to share things they have legally purchased, doing so may violate online piracy laws. This is especially true if students engage in this kind of activity for financial gain.
Common activities that may result in online piracy charges include downloading copyrighted music, video games, computer games, or software. All these activities involve copyright infringement which is illegal.
Potential Penalties for Online Piracy in New JerseyCopyright infringement falls under federal law, which means that violating those laws can have significant consequences. If an individual engages in online piracy for the purpose of financial gain, criminal copyright infringement law found in Title 17 of the United States Code Chapter 5 Section 506 can result in serious penalties.
Specifically, anyone facing these allegations may be facing five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Considering the consequences, it is important to take these charges seriously and a New Jersey student online piracy lawyer could attempt to mitigate the fines and penalties that a student may face.
Consequences a Student May Face at SchoolAdditionally, students may face additional consequences from their school. Many schools conduct independent disciplinary investigations and hearings. These hearings can result in additional penalties for the student including suspension and expulsion. This could jeopardize any student’s academic and professional future.
Contacting a New Jersey Online Piracy AttorneyOnline piracy is a serious crime. Students are especially vulnerable to the potential pitfalls of online piracy because so much of their everyday life is tied to the digital world.
When that happens, working with a dedicated lawyer who will take a thorough approach to helping you and your family understand your rights is an important first step in defending against any potential online piracy charges. These charges can certainly be intimidating, but it is important to remember you do not have to face them alone.
If you are facing online piracy charges, schedule a consultation with a dedicated New Jersey student online piracy lawyer to see how they can help you throughout the legal process.