Minnesota § 609.88 - COMPUTER DAMAGE
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.88 — COMPUTER DAMAGE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 609.88. COMPUTER DAMAGE
Subdivision 1.Acts.
Whoever does any of the following is guilty of computer damage and may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 2:
(a) intentionally and without authorization damages or destroys any computer, computer system, computer network, computer software, or any other property specifically defined in section 609.87, subdivision 6;
(b) intentionally and without authorization or with intent to injure or defraud alters any computer, computer system, computer network, computer software, or any other property specifically defined in section 609.87, subdivision 6; or
(c) distributes a destructive computer program, without authorization and with intent to damage or destroy any computer, computer system, computer network, computer software, or any other property specifically defined in section 609.87, subdivision 6.
Subd. 2.Penalty.
Whoever commits computer damage may be sentenced as follows:
(a) to imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $50,000, or both, if the damage, destruction or alteration results in a loss in excess of $2,500, to the owner, or the owner's agent, or lessee;
(b) to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both, if the damage, destruction or alteration results in a loss of more than $500, but not more than $2,500 to the owner, or the owner's agent or lessee; or
(c) in all other cases to imprisonment for not more than 90 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.
History:
1982 c 534 s 2; 1984 c 628 art 3 s 11; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 159 s 2; 1994 c 636 art 2 s 51; 2004 c 228 art 1 s 72
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.88
What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.88 cover?
Section 609.88 ("COMPUTER DAMAGE") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 609.88?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.88" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 609.88 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.