New Jersey Computer Crimes Laws

A person is guilty of computer criminal activity if the person purposely or knowingly and without authorization, or in excess of authorization:

1. Accesses any data, data base, computer storage medium, computer program, computer software, computer equipment, computer, computer system or computer network;
2. Alters, damages or destroys any data, data base, computer, computer storage medium, computer program, computer software, computer system or computer network, or denies, disrupts or impairs computer services, including access to any part of the Internet, that are available to any other user of the computer services;
3. Accesses or attempts to access any data, data base, computer, computer storage medium, computer program, computer software, computer equipment, computer system or computer network for the purpose of executing a scheme to defraud, or to obtain services, property, personal identifying information, or money, from the owner of a computer or any third party;
4. Obtains, takes, copies or uses any data, data base, computer program, computer software, personal identifying information, or other information stored in a computer, computer network, computer system, computer equipment or computer storage medium; or
5. Accesses and recklessly alters, damages or destroys any data, data base, computer, computer storage medium, computer program, computer software, computer equipment, computer system or computer network.

(Numbers correspond to preceeding list)

1. Crime of 3rd Degree - 3-5 yrs. prison
   
2. Crime of 2nd Degree - 5-10 yrs. prison
   
3. Crime of 3rd Degree (2nd Degree if property loss or damage exceeds $5,000)
4. Crime of 3rd Degree (2nd Degree if certain aggravating factors are present)
5. Crime of 4th Degree (unless property loss or damage exceeds $5,000) - up to 18 months in prison