This law is about messing with computers or computer parts without permission. If someone changes, breaks, damages, or takes computer equipment or stored data without being allowed to, that is a crime. It is usually a minor crime, but becomes more serious if the damage costs $750 or more, or if someone did it to steal something worth $750 or more. If the damage reaches $25,000 or more, it becomes an even bigger crime.
Classifications stated in the statute. Actual outcomes vary.
569.097. with computer equipment — penalties. — 1. A person commits the of tampering with computer equipment if he or she and without or without to believe that he or she has such authorization:
(1) Modifies, destroys, , or takes equipment or used or intended to be used in a computer, computer system, or ; or
(2) Modifies, destroys, damages, or takes any computer, computer system, or computer network.
2. The offense of tampering with computer equipment is a , unless:
(1) The offense is committed for the purpose of executing any or obtain any property, the value of which is seven hundred fifty dollars or more, in which case it is a ; or
(2) The damage to such computer equipment or to the computer, computer system, or computer network is seven hundred fifty dollars or more, in which case it is a class E felony; or
(3) The damage to such computer equipment or to the computer, computer system, or computer network is twenty-five thousand dollars or more, in which case it is a .
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Source & history notes
(L. 1982 H.B. 1454, et al. § 3, A.L. 1987 H.B. 208, A.L. 2002 H.B. 1888, A.L. 2014 S.B. 491) Effective 1-01-17 Civil action for tampering with computer equipment, expenses and attorney fees, 537.525
Related Missouri laws
Tampering with computer data
RSMo 569.095
Tampering with computer users
RSMo 569.099
Property damage in the first degree
RSMo 569.100
Tampering in the second degree
RSMo 569.090
Trespass on a critical infrastructure facility
RSMo 569.086
Tampering in the first degree
RSMo 569.080
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.