§ 2701. Unlawful Access to Stored Communications

(a) Offense.--Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section whoever–

(1) intentionally accesses without authorization a facility through which an electronic communication service is provided;  or

(2) intentionally exceeds an authorization to access that facility; and thereby obtains, alters, or prevents authorized access to a wire or electronic communication while it is in electronic storage in such system shall be punished as provided in subsection (b) of this section.  

(1) if the offense is committed for purposes of commercial advantage, malicious destruction or damage, or private commercial gain--
(A) a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, in the case of a first offense under this subparagraph;  and
(B) a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both, for any subsequent offense under this subparagraph;  and

(2) a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both, in any other case.

(1) by the person or entity providing a wire or electronic communications service;
 
(2) by a user of that service with respect to a communication of or intended for that user;  or
 
(3) in section 2703, 2704 or 2518 of this title.
 

• More information on:  Federal Criminal Code Related to Computer Crime

 
• More information on:  Investigating and Prosecuting Computer Crime

 
• More information on:  Searching and Seizing Computers

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