Facing a Computer Crime Charge in Michigan? Here's What You Need to Know

In today’s hyper-connected world, a single click or digital misstep can lead to serious criminal charges. The high-profile federal case against Matt Weiss—a former University of Michigan coach now facing nearly 25 computer crime charges—has cast a spotlight on the complexity and severity of digital offenses.

In Michigan, computer-related crimes are often classified as felonies or federal offenses, and consequences may include:

• Long-term prison sentences
• Deportation or immigration complications for non-citizens
• Loss of firearm rights
• Restricted internet and device usage
• Travel limitations across state or national borders 

Defending against these charges requires more than just a standard legal approach. Our criminal defense attorneys in Ann Arbor build strong defenses using digital forensic experts, challenge questionable warrants, and scrutinize how evidence was gathered. We also stay on the cutting edge of issues like deepfake content and AI-generated data, which are becoming increasingly relevant in today’s digital crime cases.

Read more on our website!

 

Charged or under investigation for a computer crime? We’ll help you protect your rights, your reputation, and your future.

 

📞 Call (734) 263-2780
🎙️ Listen to our podcast: The Michigan Justice Chronicles

What the Matt Weiss Case Reveals About the Future of Computer Crime Law

The federal case against Matt Weiss, former University of Michigan football coach, has made national headlines—not just because of who he is, but because of what it represents. Weiss faces nearly two dozen federal charges stemming from the unauthorized access of personal data from college campus databases. Over an eight-year span, he allegedly targeted sensitive content, including photos, videos, and medical records of more than 2,000 students—many of them female.

The severity of these allegations underscores the real-world consequences of computer crimes and highlights how digital misconduct can carry both criminal and civil liabilities. Today’s computer crimes fall into three broad legal categories:

 

• Financial crimes like identity theft or investment-related fraud
• Direct victimization, including online harassment and “revenge porn”
• Sex-related offenses, involving the possession or unauthorized access of intimate content

 

As the Weiss case develops, it is likely to result in serious prison time and a potential class-action lawsuit against the university. But it also serves as a cautionary tale for institutions, professionals, and students alike. The ease of committing digital crimes—especially via smartphones and social media—continues to rise, and with it, the legal consequences grow more serious.

Read more on our website!

 

If you're facing allegations related to digital misconduct, don't wait. Contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys in Ann Arbor at Geherin Law Group for a confidential consultation.