If you’ve ever hacked into someone else’s computer programming to change, take or destroy data without that person or company’s permission, you’ve most likely committed a crime under Wisconsin law. For most people accused of hacking, it makes sense to talk to a Milwaukee computer crime lawyer as soon as possible.
When is Hacking Illegal in Wisconsin?
The bottom line is that the court can find you guilty of a misdemeanor if you:
- Modify data, programs or supporting documentation
- Destroy data, programs or supporting documentation
- Access programs or supporting documentation
- Take possession of data, programs or supporting documentation
- Copy data, programs or supporting documentation
- Share restricted access codes or other restricted access information to people who aren’t supposed to have them
That’s just for getting into someone else’s information. You can be punished more severely if you hack into someone’s information if you intend to defraud someone or obtain property, or if:
- The offense results in damage valued at more than $2,500
- The offense causes an interruption or impairment of government operations, public communication, transportation, or a supply of water, gas or other public service
- The offense creates a substantial and unreasonable risk of death or great bodily harm to another person
Penalties for Computer Hacking
The penalties for hacking are severe. If the court convicts you of a Class A misdemeanor, you could spend up to 9 months in jail and pay fines of up to $10,000. If it’s a Class I felony, the judge can send you to prison for 3 years and 6 months. Some computer hacking crimes are Class G felonies, which carry a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.
Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Illegal Hacking?
When you’re accused of hacking, you could be facing serious penalties – including prison time. But we may be able to help you.
Call us right now at 414-383-6700 or get in touch with us online to schedule your free consultation as soon as you can.
