Unauthorized Account Access Penalties

Summary

Unauthorized access to online accounts in Pennsylvania can be charged under Computer Fraud (18 Pa.C.S. § 4104) and Unlawful use of a computer (18 Pa.C.S. § 7611). Penalties include imprisonment and fines. The likelihood of being charged depends on factors like detection, severity, and harm caused. Seek legal counsel immediately for specific advice.

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Nevin Smyers
Hello Nevin Smyers, nice to meet you. How can I assist you with your legal issue today?
I accessed a previous employers online account and am worried about getting caught and charged with an online crime
Hello Nevin, unauthorized access to online accounts can potentially be considered a crime depending on your location. Would you mind letting us know where this took place so we can provide more specific information?
Pennsylvania
Hello Nevin, in Pennsylvania, unauthorized access to online accounts could be considered a crime under:
- Computer Fraud: * Pa.C.S. § *
- Unlawful use of a computer: * Pa.C.S. § *
Seek a lawyer's advice immediately if you're contacted by law enforcement.
What would the punishment be
In Pennsylvania, the punishment for unauthorized access can be:
- Computer Fraud (* Pa.C.S. § *): Misdemeanor, up to 5 years imprisonment, fine up to $*,*.
- Unlawful use of a computer (* Pa.C.S. § *): Felony, up to 7 years imprisonment, fine up to $*,*.
How likely is it that I will get charged
The likelihood of getting charged depends on multiple factors, like whether your actions were detected, the severity of the intrusion, and the potential harm caused. It's advisable to seek legal counsel immediately to understand your situation better.
Seek legal counsel
Based on your location in Pennsylvania, I would recommend reaching out to a local law firm or legal aid service who can provide more specific advice. It's essential to have proper legal guidance in this situation.