Minnesota § 609.891 - UNAUTHORIZED COMPUTER ACCESS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.891 — UNAUTHORIZED COMPUTER ACCESS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 609.891. UNAUTHORIZED COMPUTER ACCESS
Subdivision 1.Crime.
A person is guilty of unauthorized computer access if the person intentionally and without authorization attempts to or does penetrate a computer security system or electronic terminal.
Subd. 2.Felony.
(a) A person who violates subdivision 1 in a manner that creates a grave risk of causing the death of a person is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $20,000, or both.
(b) A person who is convicted of a second or subsequent gross misdemeanor violation of subdivision 1 is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced under paragraph (a).
(c) A person who violates subdivision 1 by accessing, or attempting to access, an electronic terminal through opening any panel or access door without authorization and placing or attaching, or attempting to place or attach, an electronic device to capture, store, or communicate access device information is guilty of a felony.
Subd. 3.Gross misdemeanor.
(a) A person who violates subdivision 1 in a manner that creates a risk to public health and safety is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not more than 364 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.
(b) A person who violates subdivision 1 in a manner that compromises the security of data that are protected under section 609.52, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (8), or are not public data as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 8a, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced under paragraph (a).
(c) A person who violates subdivision 1 and gains access to personal data is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced under paragraph (a).
(d) A person who is convicted of a second or subsequent misdemeanor violation of subdivision 1 within five years is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced under paragraph (a).
(e) A person who violates subdivision 1 by accessing, or attempting to access, an electronic terminal through opening, or attempting to open, any panel or access door without authorization is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced under paragraph (a).
Subd. 4.Misdemeanor.
A person who violates subdivision 1 is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not more than 90 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.
History:
1989 c 95 s 4; 1993 c 326 art 13 s 34; 2004 c 228 art 1 s 72; 2006 c 260 art 1 s 34,35; 2018 c 123 s 4-6; 2020 c 83 art 1 s 95; 2023 c 52 art 6 s 16
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.891
What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.891 cover?
Section 609.891 ("UNAUTHORIZED COMPUTER ACCESS") 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 § 609.891?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.891" (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 § 609.891 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.