In wake of the Trump Administration's decision to revoke [PPD-20](https://www.politico.com/newsletters/morning-cybersecurity/2018/08/17/ramifications-of-trump-revoking-obamas-cyber-offense-order-320741), lets review the current landscape of domestic cyber abuse and the ramifications.

Technology plays a crucial role within our modern society, but when put in relation to law, there is no doubt the laws-of-the-land have failed behind the very advancements of technology. As seen through [Zuck’s testimony to congress](http://fortune.com/2018/04/10/mark-zuckerberg-awkward-moments-congress/), and as bad as it may sound, cyber-related legislature will continue to be low-priority until _i. congress gets a fresh face_ and _ii. America recovers from its first system-critical attack._

It goes without saying that the Trump Administration has made the most ripples in cybersecurity than any administration before it, but the separation of state powers from federal are causing for over-generalized crimes, penalties, and defenses.

Be sure to review your state’s code and comment your thoughts.

**Author’s note:** This list is intended to show how clear each state lists potential cyber crimes, laws, and penalties. At no point should this list be interpreted as is. Law is a very complex and goes beyond interpretation of documents found online. Beyond state law there is federal law. It is recommended you consult with an attorney regarding questions and concerns.

**Alabama** | _Alabama Digital Crime Act_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Computer tampering; data fraud; phishing._  
Penalty Profile: _1-year in jail with a $6,000 fine to up to 99-years in jail with a $60,000 fine._

**Alaska** | _11.46.740_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Criminal use of a computer._  
Penalty Profile: _All crimes are a class C felony._

**Arizona** | _13-2316_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Intentionally, knowingly, recklessly committing computer tampering._  
Penalty Profile: _2nd degree, class 5 felony to 1st degree, class 3 felony._

**Arkansas** | _5-41-101, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Computer fraud; computer trespass; unlawful computerized communications; disclosure of personal information; u_nlawful act regarding a computer; unlawful interference with access to computers or unlawful use/access; unlawful use of encryption; unlawful act involving email; computer password disclosure.  
Penalty Profile: _Class C misdemeanor to class D felony._

**California** | _Penal Code Section 502 et. seq. (Computer Crimes)_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _$1,000–10,000 maximum required fine; county/state imprisonment of 1–3 years; ordered compensatory damages; ability for alternate sentencing._

**Colorado** | _COL. REV. STAT. §18-5.5-101 et seq.: Computer Crime_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Criminalized acts of accessing; causing damage._  
Penalty Profile: _Class 3 misdemeanor to class 3 felony._

**Connecticut** | _53a-250, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _Class B misdemeanor to class B felony._

**Delaware** | 11 §§931, et seq. |  
Defined Offenses: _Knowingly, intentionally, recklessly, negligently committing computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _Class A misdemeanor to class D felony._

**District of Columbia** | _Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) 18 U.S. Code § 1030-Fraud and related activity in connection with computers, Computer Provisions of the USA Patriot Act_ |  
Defined Offenses: _N/A_  
Penalty Profile: _N/A  
_\*Note: In DC, most computer crimes are considered federal offenses.

**Florida** | _Florida Statutes Title XLVI. Crimes § 815.01_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Computer Crimes Act: offenses against intellectual property; Computer Crimes Act: offenses against computer users; defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _3rd degree felony to 1st degree felony._

**Georgia** | _16-9-91, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: Computer theft; computer trespass; computer invasion of privacy, computer forgery; computer password disclosure.  
Penalty Profile: _Misdemeanor to felony.  
\*_ Note: Section does not specifically classify crimes listed as either felony or misdemeanor. Offenses listed in misdemeanor or felony columns are based on the levels of punishments imposed rather than by explicit classification.

**Hawaii** | _708-890, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _Class C felony to class B felony._

**Idaho** | _Idaho Statutes 18-2201, et seq.: Computer Crime_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _Misdemeanor to felony.  
\*_ Note: Section does not specifically classify crimes listed as either felony or misdemeanor. Offenses listed in misdemeanor or felony columns are based on the levels of punishments imposed rather than by explicit classification.

**Illinois** | _720 1LCS 5/16D-1, 720 1LCS 5/17-50 et seq_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Computer tampering; aggravated computer tampering; computer fraud._  
Penalty Profile: _Class B misdemeanor to class 2 felony._

**Indiana** | _35-43-1-4; 35-43-2-3_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _Class A misdemeanor to class B felony._

**Iowa** | _Iowa Code 714, et seq.: Theft, Fraud and Related Offenses; Iowa Code 714E, et seq.: Foreclosure Consultants; Iowa Code 716.6B: Unauthorized Computer Access; Iowa Code 702.1A: Computer Terminology; Iowa Code 702.14: Property_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _Simple misdemeanor to class C felony._

**Kansas** | _Kansas Statutes Section 21-5839: Unlawful Acts Concerning Computers_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _One-year jail + $2,500 fine to over 11-years jail + probation._

**Kentucky** | _Kentucky Revised Statutes Sections: 434.845-Unlawful Access to a Computer in the 1st Degree; 434.850 -Unlawful Access to a Computer in the 2nd Degree; 434.851-Unlawful Access to a Computer in the 3rd Degree; 434.852 -Unlawful Access to a Computer in the 4th Degree; 434.855-Misuse of Computer Information_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes to the degree._  
Penalty Profile: _Class B misdemeanor to class C felony (up to 10-years prison+up to $10,000 or double what was gained during crime)._

**Louisiana** | _14:73.1, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Alter, destruction, or interference; computer fraud._  
Penalty Profile: _N/A  
\*_ Note: Section does not specifically classify crimes listed as either felony or misdemeanor. Offenses listed in misdemeanor or felony columns are based on the levels of punishments imposed rather than by explicit classification.

**Maine** | _Maine Code Revised Title 17-A, Chapter 18: Computer Crimes_ |  
Defined Offenses: “[Criminal](https://hackernoon.com/tagged/criminal) invasion of computer privacy; aggravated criminal invasion of computer privacy.”   
Penalty Profile: _Up to one-year county jail + $2,000 fine to five-years prison + $5,000 fine._

**Maryland** | _Crim. Law §7-302_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Illegal access of a computer; aggravated illegal access of a computer._  
Penalty Profile: _N/A_

**Massachusetts** | _Ch. 266 §33A_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _N/A  
\*_ Note: Section does not specifically classify crimes listed as either felony or misdemeanor. Offenses listed in misdemeanor or felony columns are based on the levels of punishments imposed rather than by explicit classification.

**Michigan** | _752.791, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _N/A  
\*_ Note: Section does not specifically classify crimes listed as either felony or misdemeanor. Offenses listed in misdemeanor or felony columns are based on the levels of punishments imposed rather than by explicit classification.

**Minnesota** | _752.791, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Computer damage; computer theft; unauthorized computer access._  
Penalty Profile: _Misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, felony._

**Mississippi** | _Mississippi Code Title 97: Crimes, Chapter 45: Computer Crimes & Identity Theft_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Computer fraud;_ offenses against computer users; offenses against computer equipment; offenses against intellectual property; defined computer crimes.  
Penalty Profile: _Max fine of $1,000 to at most 20-years prison + $10,000 fine._

**Missouri** | _537.525, 569.094, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Tampering with computer data; tampering with computer equipment; tampering with computer users._  
Penalty Profile: _Class A misdemeanor to class C felony._

**Montana** | _537.525, 569.094, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: Improperly accessing a computer, system, or network; introducing a virus or other contaminant into a computer system; modifying, damaging, using, disclosing, copying, or taking programs or data; using a computer in a scheme to defraud; interfering with someone else’s computer access or use; using encryption in aid of a crime; falsifying e-mail source information; stealing an [information](https://hackernoon.com/tagged/information) service from a provider; defined computer crimes.  
Penalty Profile: _N/A_

**Nebraska** | _28-1343, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _Misdemeanor to felony._

**Nevada** | _205.473, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _Misdemeanor to felony._

**New Hampshire** | _638:16, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Unauthorized access to a computer or computer network; theft of computer services; interruption of computer services; misuse of computer or computer network information; destruction of computer equipment; computer contamination; defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _Misdemeanor to felony._

**New Jersey** | _2C:20-23, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes to the degree._  
Penalty Profile: _Up to 18-months prison to 10-years prison.  
\*_ Note: Section does not specifically classify crimes listed as either felony or misdemeanor. Offenses listed in misdemeanor or felony columns are based on the levels of punishments imposed rather than by explicit classification.

**New Mexico** | _New Mexico Statutes 30-45-1, et seq.: Computer Crimes_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Computer access; computer abuse; unauthorized computer access._  
Penalty Profile: _Petty misdemeanor to 2nd degree felony._

**New York** | _New York Penal Law §156 et. seq. (Offenses Involving a Computer)_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Unauthorized use of a computer; computer trespass; computer tampering: four degrees; duplication and possession of computer-related materials._  
Penalty Profile: _Class A misdemeanor of up to one-year jail + $1,000 fine to class C felony of 15-years prison + $5,000 fine or double what was gained during crime._

**North Carolina** | _North Carolina General Statutes sections 14-453 through 14-459 outline the state’s computer-related crimes._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Unlawful access of computers for purposes other than to scheme, defraud, or obtain property; altering, damaging, or destroying computer software, programs or data; and unlawfully accessing educational testing material or academic testing scores or grades that are in a government computer; denying an authorized user access to a computer, computer network, or computer program; damaging a computer, computer system, computer network, or parts thereof._  
Penalty Profile: _Class 1 misdemeanor to class H felony._

**North Dakota** | _12.1-06.1-08_ |  
Defined Offenses: “Computer crime;” “computer fraud.”  
Penalty Profile: _Class A misdemeanor, class C felony._

**Ohio** | _2913.01, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _N/A_  
Penalty Profile: _N/A_

**Oklahoma** | _Oklahoma Statutes Title 21, §§1952, et seq:Computer Crimes Act_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _N/A_

**Oregon** | _164.125; 164.377_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Access; theft of services; access plus scheme to defraud; alter, damage or destroy hard/software; theft of data or services._  
Penalty Profile: _Class C misdemeanor to class B felony._

**Pennsylvania** | _18 Pa. Cons. Stat. sections 7601-7661_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _3rd degree felony (up to seven years prison)._

**Rhode Island** | _11-52-1, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Access to computer for fraudulent purposes; intentional access, alteration, damage, or destruction; computer theft; computer trespass; cyberstalking / cyberharassment; use of false information; online impersonation; tampering with computer source documents._  
Penalty Profile: _N/A_

**South Carolina** | _South Carolina Code of Laws 16-16-10, et seq.: Computer Crime Act_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _Class B misdemeanor to class E felony._

**South Dakota** | _S.D. Cod. Laws § 43-43B-1 to § 43-43B-8_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Improperly accessing a computer, system, or network; introducing a virus or other contaminant into a computer system; modifying, damaging, using, disclosing, copying, or taking programs or data; using a computer in a scheme to defraud; interfering with someone else’s computer access or use; using encryption in aid of a crime; falsifying e-mail source information; and stealing an information service from a provider._  
Penalty Profile: _Class 1 misdemeanor to class 4 felony._

**Tennessee** | _39-14-601, et seq.; 39-14-105_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _Class C misdemeanor to felony._

**Texas** | _Texas Penal Code § 33.01, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Knowingly accessing a computer, computer network or computer system without the consent of the owner; knowingly soliciting a minor under the age of 17 over the internet, text message, or other electronic system, to meet in person for the purpose of engaging in sexual behavior with the defendant; knowingly accessing a computer system, network, program, software or machine that is part of a voting system that uses direct recording electronic voting machines and tampers with the votes or the ability of someone to vote; creating a web page or leaving messages on a social networking site using the persona of another without the person’s consent and with the intent to harm, defraud, intimidate or threaten someone; or referencing the name, domain address, phone number or any other identifying information of a person without that person’s consent, intending to cause the recipient to think the message is truly coming from that person, with the intent to harm or defraud someone._  
Penalty Profile: _Class B misdemeanor of up to 180 days in county jail + $2,000 fine to 1st degree felony of up to life in prison + $10,000._

**Utah** | _Utah Code 76-6-701, et seq.: Utah Computer Crime Act_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Gaining or attempting to gain access to and altering, damaging, destroying, disclosing, or modifying any computer, computer network, computer property, computer system, computer program, computer data or software, and thereby causes damage to another, or obtains money, property, information, or a benefit for any person without legal right; using or knowingly allowing another person to use any computer, computer network, computer property, or computer system, program, or software to devise or execute any artifice or scheme to defraud or to obtain money, property, services, or other things of value by false pretenses, promises, or representations; intentionally or knowingly and without authorization, interfering with or interrupting computer services to another authorized to receive the services.  
_Penalty Profile: _Class B misdemeanor to 2nd degree felony._

**Vermont** | _Tit. 13, §§ 4101-4107._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Unauthorized access; altering, damaging, or interfering with a computer; theft or destruction of a computer; accessing a computer for fraudulent purposes._  
Penalty Profile: _N/A_

**Virginia** | _18.2-152.1, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Computer fraud; spam; computer trespass; personally identifying information; theft of computer services; harassment by computer._  
Penalty Profile: _Class 3 misdemeanor to class 3 felony._

**Washington** | _9A.52.110, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _N/A_

**West Virginia** | _West Virginia Code Chapter 61: Crimes, Article 3C: West Virginia Computer Crime and Abuse Act_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Computer fraud; access to legislature computer; soliciting a minor via computer; alteration or destruction of computer equipment; unauthorized possession of computer data or programs; unauthorized access to computer services; unauthorized disruption or denial of computer services; unauthorized possession of computer information; computer invasion of privacy; disclosure of computer security information; obtaining confidential governmental information._  
Penalty Profile: _Misdemeanor of up to 6-months jail + $1,000 fine to felony of 10-years prison + fine of $10,000.00_

**Wisconsin** | _943.70_ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _Class A misdemeanor to class D felony._

**Wyoming** | _6-3-501, et seq._ |  
Defined Offenses: _Defined computer crimes._  
Penalty Profile: _N/A_

“_Defined computer crimes_” refers to a state’s arbitrary list of computer activity considered to be criminal.

Share with me your thoughts and let me know what I should write about next.

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Written by Alec Ryncavage.   
[Website](http://alecryncavage.com/) | [Twitter](https://twitter.com/alecryncavage) | [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alecryncavage/)

_As of August 18, 2018. State laws are subject to change through new legislation and court rulings. Contact an attorney for any legal questions or concerns._

_State law information and research provided by_ [_FindLaw_](https://statelaws.findlaw.com)_._

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