569.097. Tampering with Computer Equipment — Penalties
Messing with someone else’s computer or hardware without permission is a crime
In Missouri, it’s illegal to damage, take, or mess with computer equipment that doesn’t belong to you — especially if you do it to steal or commit fraud.
1. You can be charged with this crime if you knowingly and without proper permission:
- (1) Change, destroy, damage, or steal any part of a computer or its data storage devices; or
- (2) Change, destroy, damage, or steal the actual computer, system, or network.
2. The severity of the charge depends on how much damage is done or what the intent was:
- Class A misdemeanor: Most cases.
- Class E felony: If the goal was to scam someone or steal property worth $750+, or if the damage totals >$750+.
- Class D felony: If the damage is $25,000 or more.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
