Utah Computer Crimes Laws

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016

We’re all using our computers more these days, for everything from entertainment and communication to shopping and banking. So it’s only natural that criminals are using computers more as well. Annoying spam messages, invasive viruses, secure system hacking, and identity theft are just a few of the ways criminals can use computers to gain access to personal information, damage computers, and steal money.

So how is the Beehive State working to keep our computers, our personal information, and our money safe from computer crime? This is an introduction computer crimes laws in Utah.

Computer Crimes

While many of us ay have heard of stories about computer hackers, that is just one of many "computer crimes" outlawed under state laws. These statutes can cover everything from damaging someone else’s computer system to sending them unwanted spam emails.

Computer Crime Laws in Utah

The table below lists Utah’s computer crime statutes.

Code Section

Utah Code 76-6-701, et seq.: Utah Computer Crime Act

What is Prohibited

Gaining or attempting to gain access to and altering, damaging, destroying, disclosing, or modifying any computer, computer network, computer property, computer system, computer program, computer data or software, and thereby causes damage to another, or obtains money, property, information, or a benefit for any person without legal right;

Using or knowingly allowing another person to use any computer, computer network, computer property, or computer system, program, or software to devise or execute any artifice or scheme to defraud or to obtain money, property, services, or other things of value by false pretenses, promises, or representations;

Intentionally or knowingly and without authorization, interfering with or interrupting computer services to another authorized to receive the services

Mental State Required for Prosecution

Intentionally, knowingly

Misdemeanor Computer Crimes

When damage is under $300 or info is not confidential then class B misdemeanor; when damage is between $300 and $1,000, then class A

Felony Computer Crimes

When damage is between $1,000 and $5,000, third degree felony; when damage is or exceeds $5,000 then second degree, there is also a third degree felony

Attempt Considered a Crime?

Yes

Civil Lawsuit Permitted?