Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
We are all constantly using computers these days. From laptops to tablets to smartphones, it seems we're constantly connected. We do everything from email to online shopping and banking and stock trading via the Internet. So it’s no wonder criminals are using computers, too.
From annoying spam and invasive viruses to hackers and identity theft, there's virtually no end to the ways criminals can use computers. Indeed, these criminals often target us from continents away and may do so without our knowledge. So how do we keep our computers, our personal information, and most importantly ourselves safe from computer crime?
Luckily, Hawaii has strict laws on the books to help protect its citizens from online theft or fraud. This is a brief summary of computer crimes laws in Hawaii.
Most of us have heard of "hacking,” whether on TV or in books. But that's just one aspect of criminal computer use outlawed by state laws that identify and prohibit offenses collectively called "computer crimes." These laws can cover everything from damaging a computer system and spam operations to hacking into a secure network.
The following table outlines Hawaii’s computer crime statutes.
| Code Section | 708-890, et seq. |
| Mental State Required for Prosecution | Intentionally, knowingly |
| Misdemeanor Computer Crimes | - |
| Felony Computer Crimes | Computer fraud: class B felony if knowingly defrauded, accessed computer without authorization and damage $300 or less in any 1 yr. period; class C felony if knowingly defrauded, transferred, or otherwise disposes of control of access; Computer Damage: class B felony if knowingly causes transmission that causes unauthorized damage or intentional access of a computer that causes damage; class C felony if knowingly accesses computer without authorization and recklessly causes damage. |
| Attempt Considered a Crime? | No |
| Civil Lawsuit Permitted? | No |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- be sure to conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
The Director of the FBI has gone on record as saying the most serious threat to Americans today is cybercrime. Consider how many times per day or week you go online as part of our daily routine now. Each excursion on the Internet opens us up to the constant threat of having our private information compromised.
Understanding the intricacies of computers and computer crime laws can seem impossible. If you would like legal advice regarding a possible computer crime issue, you can contact a Hawaii criminal defense attorney. You can also visit FindLaw's Cyber Crimes section for more articles and information on this topic.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Hawaii attorneys offer free consultations.
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.