Minnesota § 609.8912 - CRIMINAL USE OF ENCRYPTION
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.8912 — CRIMINAL USE OF ENCRYPTION, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 609.8912. CRIMINAL USE OF ENCRYPTION
Subdivision 1.Crime.
Whoever intentionally uses or attempts to use encryption to do any of the following is guilty of criminal use of encryption and may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 2:
(1) to commit, further, or facilitate conduct constituting a crime;
(2) to conceal the commission of any crime;
(3) to conceal or protect the identity of a person who has committed any crime; or
(4) to prevent, impede, delay, or disrupt the normal operation or use of another's computer, computer program, or computer system.
Subd. 2.Penalties.
(a) A person who violates subdivision 1 may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both, if:
(1) the crime referenced in subdivision 1, clause (1), (2), or (3), is a felony; or
(2) the person has two or more prior convictions for an offense under this section, section 609.88, 609.89, 609.891, or 609.8913, or similar laws of other states, the United States, the District of Columbia, tribal lands, and United States territories.
(b) A person who violates subdivision 1, under circumstances not described in paragraph (a), is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 364 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.
History:
2006 c 260 art 1 s 36; 2023 c 52 art 6 s 16
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.8912
What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.8912 cover?
Section 609.8912 ("CRIMINAL USE OF ENCRYPTION") 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 § 609.8912?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.8912" (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 § 609.8912 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.