North Carolina Internet, Computer, and AI Crime Defense, Explained

At the time of this writing, North Carolina law generally treats a wide range of online and computer-related conduct as criminal, including unauthorized computer access, online solicitation, offenses involving digital images, fraud, and harassment. More and more, these cases also involve artificial intelligence, such as AI-generated images, voice cloning, and evidence drawn from AI chats. Many internet and AI crime cases in North Carolina begin with a tip, a device seizure, or an undercover operation, and they may be charged in state court, federal court, or both.

Attorney Ron Frey has practiced criminal defense since 2004 and is licensed in North Carolina, Florida, and Ohio. He is admitted in the Western District of North Carolina, which handles federal cases in Charlotte and Asheville, and the Eastern District of North Carolina. Drawing on his experience handling many internet and computer crime cases in multiple jurisdictions, he has found that these cases often turn on technical details, such as how data was collected, whether devices and accounts can be tied to the person charged, and what the evidence actually shows. Because laws in this area change quickly, especially where AI is involved, anyone facing these issues should speak with an attorney about how the current law applies to their situation.

What Kinds of Internet and Computer Crimes Are Charged in North Carolina?

Generally speaking, the internet and computer crime cases Attorney Ron Frey sees in North Carolina fall into a few broad groups:

• Online solicitation and sting cases, including charges that arise when an undercover officer poses as a minor online.
• Offenses involving digital images, which are often investigated after a tip or a CyberTipline report.
• Hacking and unauthorized computer access, including accessing accounts or systems without permission.
• Online fraud and financial crimes, including scams carried out by email, text, or social media.
• Harassment and threats online, including conduct over social media and messaging apps.

Some of these cases are charged under North Carolina law, some under federal law, and some under both. Which laws apply, and how, depends on the facts and can change over time.

How Is Artificial Intelligence Changing North Carolina Criminal Cases?

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of criminal investigations and prosecutions. At the time of this writing, North Carolina cases may involve AI-generated or altered images, deepfakes, voice cloning used in fraud schemes, chats with AI tools offered as evidence, and questions about who is responsible for what an AI agent did on someone’s behalf. Much like the internet in the early 2000s, AI is a technology that many courts are still learning to understand.

Laws addressing AI are being written and rewritten, both in North Carolina and at the federal level, so the rules can shift from one year to the next. Drawing on his experience defending cases through earlier waves of new technology, Attorney Ron Frey closely follows these developments. To learn more, see our AI Crimes page.

Where Are Charlotte-Area Internet and AI Crime Cases Prosecuted?

In the Charlotte area, internet crime cases may be prosecuted in state court in Mecklenburg County, or in federal court in the Western District of North Carolina, depending on the investigation and the charges. Attorney Ron Frey is admitted in the Western District, which covers Charlotte and Asheville, as well as the Eastern District of North Carolina.

Federal cases often involve agencies such as the FBI or Homeland Security Investigations and can carry very different procedures and sentencing rules from state cases. For a look at one common federal charge, see Federal Enticement of a Minor Charges Under 18 U.S.C. 2422(b), Explained.

How Are North Carolina Internet and AI Crime Cases Approached?

Every case is different, but drawing on his experience handling many of these cases, Attorney Ron Frey generally looks closely at:

• How the evidence was gathered. Whether searches, warrants, and data requests were handled properly.
• The device and account evidence. Whether the devices, accounts, and files can actually be tied to the person charged.
• The full context. Complete conversations and records, rather than excerpts or summaries.
• AI and technical issues. Whether images, audio, or other evidence may have been generated or altered, and what the technology can and cannot show.
• Entrapment and investigative tactics. How any undercover operation was run, which is always worth exploring.
• The person’s background. Many people charged with internet crimes have never been arrested before. Our guide to a first-offense internet crime charge explains more.

These are fact questions, and the answers depend on the specific evidence in each case.

What Should Someone Do If Contacted by Law Enforcement in North Carolina?

Internet and AI crime investigations in North Carolina often start with a detective’s phone call, a visit to the home, or a search warrant for devices. Attorney Ron Frey generally advises that a person contacted by law enforcement in an online investigation rely on the right to remain silent and consult an attorney before making any statements. Statements made to friends, posted on social media, or typed into AI chatbots may also come to light later.

If devices were taken, our post on what to do if police seized your computer or phone explains how that process generally works. If a federal letter arrived, our guide to a federal target letter may also help.

Why Talk With an Attorney About the Details?

A website can only offer a general picture. Laws covering internet, computer, and AI crimes are among the fastest-changing areas of criminal law. Statutes are amended, courts issue new decisions, and new technology raises new questions. What was accurate when this page was written may not be accurate when you read it, so it is important to discuss the details of any specific situation with an attorney at the time it arises.

Talk With Attorney Ron Frey About a North Carolina Internet or AI Crime Case

If you or someone close to you is facing an internet, computer, or AI-related charge in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, or elsewhere in North Carolina, or is under investigation, contact Attorney Ron Frey of The Frey Law Firm, PLLC to discuss the situation. You can also explore our Internet Crimes page.

This page is for general information only. It is not legal advice, and reading it or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change, and how they apply depends on the facts of each case.