CFAA Violations lawyer Anne Arundel County, MD

If you are facing charges or an investigation under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, the stakes are serious. CFAA violations are prosecuted as federal offenses in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, not in state court. That means federal sentencing guidelines, no parole, and the full resources of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland working against you. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle federal criminal matters in Maryland, including CFAA cases in Anne Arundel County. For a consultation about your situation, call our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What CFAA Violations Mean in Anne Arundel County

The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 1030, makes it a federal crime to access a protected computer without authorization, to traffic in passwords, to obtain information from a protected computer, or to cause damage to a computer system. The definition of a “protected computer” is broad, covering any computer used in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce—effectively most computers connected to the internet. The CFAA imposes penalties that vary by subsection; some violations carry sentences of up to 10 or 20 years. Because the statute reaches across state lines, a person in Anne Arundel County can face prosecution in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland based on conduct that involves computers or networks located elsewhere.

Federal criminal cases arising in Anne Arundel County are handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, with court proceedings in the Baltimore or Greenbelt divisions of the U.S. District Court. The investigative agencies most often involved in CFAA matters include the FBI, Secret Service, and other federal task forces. The procedural path moves from investigation—sometimes a grand jury subpoena or a search warrant—to indictment, arraignment, pretrial motions, and, if no plea is reached, trial. Federal sentencing guidelines use a points-based calculation that takes into account the offense level and a defendant’s criminal history, and mandatory minimums may apply to certain related offenses. The firm’s attorneys appear regularly in these federal proceedings and understand the local practices of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Federal Criminal Cases

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to federal criminal defense. Results may vary. When a client faces a CFAA investigation or charge, the first step is to assess the government’s evidence and the specific allegations. Often the most critical part of a federal computer-crime case occurs before indictment, when experienced counsel can work to narrow the scope of an investigation, present exculpatory information to prosecutors, and seek to avoid charges being filed. The firm’s approach draws on the team’s federal court experience, including a detailed review of search warrants, computer forensic reports, and the application of the statutory definitions to the client’s conduct.

Because CFAA prosecutions frequently involve complex digital evidence and technical expert testimony, the firm works with qualified forensic experts to examine the data. However, all strategic decisions and courtroom advocacy remain with the firm’s attorneys. The team negotiates with Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the District of Maryland when a favorable plea is possible, and prepares every case as if it will go to trial. The firm does not guarantee an outcome; each case turns on its own facts, the quality of the evidence, and the decisions made by the court and prosecution.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997. A former prosecutor, he has experience in criminal trial work that informs the firm’s defense strategies. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His multi-state practice means the firm understands the interplay between state and federal court systems.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys also appear in federal criminal matters. Each Of Counsel attorney is a seasoned legal professional who contracts directly with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Together, the team has handled a range of federal defense cases across multiple practice areas. The firm’s Maryland location at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 serves clients from Anne Arundel County and throughout the state. All consultations are by appointment; call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act?

The CFAA is the primary federal statute that criminalizes unauthorized access to computers and computer systems. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1030, prohibited conduct includes obtaining national security information, accessing a computer without proper authorization to commit fraud, trafficking in passwords, and transmitting harmful code that causes damage. The law applies broadly to “protected computers,” which encompass nearly every computer connected to the internet. Convictions can lead to substantial imprisonment and fines, and prosecutions are brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland when the conduct has a sufficient connection to the state.

How are CFAA cases prosecuted in Anne Arundel County?

CFAA charges in Anne Arundel County are prosecuted as federal crimes in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, typically in the Baltimore or Greenbelt divisions. Federal agents investigate, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office brings charges upon indictment by a grand jury. The procedural rules are the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and sentencing follows the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Because federal court procedure differs from state court, it is important to work with counsel who regularly appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The firm’s attorneys are familiar with local federal practice and the expectations of the judges and prosecutors in that district.

What should I do if I am contacted by federal agents about a CFAA matter?

If federal agents contact you about a computer crime investigation, you should speak with an attorney before answering any questions. Federal investigators may ask for an interview and could try to obtain a search warrant. Anything you say can be used against you in a criminal prosecution. Invoke your right to remain silent and to have counsel present. Contact a lawyer who handles federal criminal cases and who can assess whether you are a target or a witness. Early intervention can be critical; an experienced defense attorney may be able to communicate with the government on your behalf and influence whether charges are filed. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What are possible defenses to a CFAA charge?

Defenses to CFAA charges can include challenges to the element of unauthorized access, arguments that the computer did not qualify as a protected computer, or a showing that the defendant lacked the requisite intent. The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly accessed a protected computer without authorization or exceeded authorized access. Authorization is often a key factual dispute, particularly in employment cases or where consent was arguably given. The firm examines the evidence, including forensic reports and network logs, and may work with attorneys to test the government’s version. Additionally, procedural defenses such as violations of the Fourth Amendment during a search may lead to the suppression of evidence. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Does the firm handle other federal criminal matters in Maryland?

Yes, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. defends clients facing a wide range of federal charges in Maryland, including fraud, drug offenses, firearms violations, and other crimes under the federal code. The same team of attorneys appears in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in cases that involve the same investigative agencies—FBI, DEA, ATF, and Secret Service. Because CFAA cases often intersect with other federal offenses such as wire fraud, identity theft, or conspiracy, having counsel experienced across the federal criminal spectrum is an advantage. The firm’s representation extends to all phases of a federal case, from the initial investigation through trial and appeal. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

Federal Criminal Defense in Anne Arundel County and Nearby

Our firm handles federal criminal cases across the State of Maryland. If you are looking for a federal criminal defense lawyer in a neighboring county, please see the following pages:

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Last reviewed: July 2026

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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.