Computer Tampering

Computer Tampering

Computer tampering occurs when someone uses a computer or computer service without authorization and purposely changes or destroys important computer data. This would only become a crime when the altering or destroying the data would have a significantly adverse affect on the owner. In New York (NY) computer tampering has four degrees which indicate the seriousness of the crime.

Computer Tampering in the Fourth Degree - Class A Misdemeanor

The crime of computer tampering in the four degree involves altering or destroying important computer data, without any serious effects. Anyone charged with fourth degree computer tampering would probably not have been convicted for a previous computer crime, would not have been intending to commit a felony and would not have caused a great financial loss to the possessor of the computer data.

Computer Tampering in the Third Degree - Class E felony

Third degree computer tampering is usually a more serious crime than computer tampering in the fourth degree. However, that is not always the case. Someone who has previously been convicted of a computer crime can receive charges for computer tampering in the third degree simply for altering or destroying data without having any serious adverse affects.

One of the important distinctions between the third and fourth degrees is the intentional destruction of data. If the offender were to purposely destroy important data, then it would be third degree computer tampering. Third degree can also be the result of altering data in order to commit a separate felony, or altering or destroying data which causes the owner a financial loss of more than $1000 dollars.

Computer Tampering in the Second Degree - D felony

Second degree computer tampering involves the intentional destruction or alteration of computer data which causes a financial loss of more than $3000 to the owner. Without an experienced criminal attorney, those convicted of computer tampering in the second degree will likely see jail time.

Computer Tampering in the First Degree - Class C felony

Computer tamping in the first degree is a serious white collar crime and has harsh punishments. It occurs whenever someone purposely alters or destroys data and causes damage of $50,000 or more to the owner of the data.