-- Computer Law - State of Wisconsin Statute --
Chapter 293, Laws of 1981
943.70 Computer crimes.
(1) DEFINITIONS. In this section:
(a) "Computer" means an electronic device that performs
logical, arithmetic and memory functions by manipulating
electronic or magnetic impulses, and includes all input,
output, processing, storage, computer software and
communication facilities that are connected or related to
a computer in a computer system or computer network.
(b) "Computer network" means the interconnection of
communication lines with a computer through remote
terminals or a complex consisting of 2 or more
interconnected computers.
(c) "Computer program" means an ordered set of instructions or
statements that, when executed by a computer, causes the
computer to process data.
(d) "Computer software" means a set of computer programs,
procedures or associated documentation used in the
operation of a computer system.
(dm) "Computer supplies" means punchcards, paper tape,
magnetic tape, disk packs, diskettes and computer output,
including paper and microform.
(e) "Computer system" means a set of related computer
equipment, hardware or software.
(f) "Data" means a representation of information, knowledge,
facts, concepts or instructions that has been prepared or
is being prepared in a formalized manner and has been
processed, is being processed or is intended to be
processed in a computer system or computer network. Data
may be in any form including computer printouts, magnetic
storage media, punched cards and as stored in the memory
of the computer. Data are property.
(g) "Financial instrument" includes any check, draft, warrant,
money order, note, certificate of deposit, letter of
credit, bill of exchange, credit or credit card,
transaction authorization mechanism, marketable security
and any computer representation of them.
(h) "Property" means anything of value, including but not
limited to financial instruments, information,
electronically produced data, computer software and
computer programs.
(i) "Supporting documentation" means all documentation used in
the computer system in the construction, clarification,
implementation, use or modification of the software or
data.
(2) OFFENSES AGAINST COMPUTER DATA AND PROGRAMS.
(a) Whoever willfully, knowingly and without authorization
does any of the following may be penalized as provided in
par. (b):
1. Modifies data, computer programs or supporting
documentation.
2. Destroys data, computer programs or supporting
documentation.
3. Accesses data, computer programs or supporting
documentation.
4. Takes possession of data, computer programs or supporting
documentation.
5. Copies data, computer programs or supporting
documentation.
6. Discloses restricted access codes or other restricted
access information to unauthorized person.
(b) Whoever violates this subsection is guilty of:
1. A Class A misdemeanor unless subd. 2, 3 or 4 applies.
2. A Class E felony if the offense is committed to defraud or
to obtain property.
3. A Class D felony if the damage is greater than $2,500 or
if it causes an interruption or impairment of governmental
operations or public communication, of transportation or
of a supply of water, gas or other public service.
4. A Class C felony if the offense creates a situation of
unreasonable risk and high probability of death or great
bodily harm to another.
(3) OFFENSES AGAINST COMPUTERS, COMPUTER EQUIPMENT OR SUPPLIES.
(a) Whoever willingly, knowingly and without authorization
does any of the following may be penalized as provided in
par. (b):
1. Modifies computer equipment or supplies that are used or
intended to be used in a computer, computer system or
computer network.
2. Destroys, uses, takes or damages a computer, computer
system, computer, network or equipment or supplies used or
intended to be used in a computer, computer system, or
computer network.
(b) Whoever violates this subsection is guilty of:
1. A Class A misdemeanor unless sub. 2,3 or 4 applies.
2. A Class E felony if the offense is committed to defraud or
obtain property.
3. A Class D felony if the damage to the computer, computer
system, computer network, equipment or supplies is greater
than $2,500.
4. A Class C felony if the offense creates a situation of
unreasonable risk and high probability of death or great
bodily harm to another.
-- Penalties for Infractions --
939.50(3) Penalties for felonies are as follows:
(a) For a Class A felony, life imprisonment.
(b) For a Class B felony, imprisonment not to exceed 20 years.
(c) For a Class C felony, a fine not to exceed $10,000 or
imprisonment not to exceed 10 year, or both.
(d) For a Class D felony, a fine not to exceed $10,000 or
imprisonment not to exceed 5 year, or both.
(e) For a Class E felony, a fine not to exceed $10,000 or
imprisonment not to exceed 2 year, or both.
939.51(3) Penalties for misdemeanors are as follows:
(a) For a Class A misdemeanor, a fine not to exceed $10,000 or
imprisonment not to exceed 9 months, or both.
(b) For a Class B misdemeanor, a fine not to exceed $1,000 or
imprisonment not to exceed 90 days, or both.
(c) For a Class C misdemeanor, a fine not to exceed $500 or
imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or both.
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