Everyone's using computers more these days, so of course criminals are using computers, too. Annoying spam, invasive viruses, hacking, and identity theft, are just some of the ways criminals can use computers. So what laws are out there to keep our computers, our personal information, and our selves safe from computer crime? Here is a quick introduction computer crimes laws in Oklahoma.
Computer Crimes
We may have heard of "hacking," but that is just one of many "computer crimes" outlawed by state laws that can cover everything from damaging a computer system and spam operations, to hacking into a secure network.
Computer Crime Laws in Oklahoma
The following table lists the specifics of Oklahoma's computer crime statutes.
| Code Section | Oklahoma Statutes Title 21, §§1952, et seq.: Computer Crimes Act |
| What is Prohibited | Willfully, and without authorization, gain or attempt to gain access to and damage, modify, alter, delete, destroy, copy, make use of, disclose or take possession of a computer, computer system, computer network or any other property; Use a computer, computer system, computer network or any other property as hereinbefore defined for the purpose of devising or executing a scheme or artifice with the intent to defraud, deceive, extort or for the purpose of controlling or obtaining money, property, services or other thing of value by means of a false or fraudulent pretense or representation; Willfully exceed the limits of authorization and damage, modify, alter, destroy, copy, delete, disclose or take possession of a computer, computer system, computer network or any other property; Willfully and without authorization, gain or attempt to gain access to a computer, computer system, computer network or any other property; Willfully and without authorization use or cause to be used computer services; Willfully and without authorization disrupt or cause the disruption of computer services or deny or cause the denial of access or other computer services to an authorized user of a computer, computer system or computer network. |
| Mental State Required for Prosecution | Willfully |
| Misdemeanor Computer Crimes | Access or use of cause to be used computer services |
| Felony Computer Crimes | Access plus scheme to defraud; alter, damage or destroy hard/software; denial of access; traffic in passwords. There are several prohibited acts under the Computer Crimes Act classified as a felony |
| Attempt Considered a Crime? | Yes |
| Civil Lawsuit Permitted? | Yes |
Oklahoma Computer Crimes Laws: Related Resources
Computers and computer crime laws can be confusing to many of us. If you would like legal advice regarding a computer crime matter, you can contact an Oklahoma criminal defense attorney. You can also find more information and resources in FindLaw's section on Cyber Crimes.
