Colorado Revised Statute 18-5.5-102 defines computer/cyber crimes under state law. These statutes prohibit what they define as the unlawful use or access of a computer, computer system, or computer network. Generally speaking, they make it a crime to cause damage or commit theft using a computer. Specifically, the statute provides that it is a crime for a person to knowingly:

1. Access or use a computer, network, or computer system without authorization;
2. Access any computer for the purpose of fraud;
3. Access any computer by means of false pretenses, misrepresentations, false promises, or false passwords;
4. Access any computer to commit theft;
5. Without authorization, alter, damage, or interrupt any computer, computer network, or computer system;
6. Cause the transmission of a computer program, software, information, code, data, or command by means of a computer to cause damage;
7. Use a software application that runs automated tasks over the internet to access a computer or computer system to circumvent or disable any electronic queues intended by the seller to limit the number of event tickets that may be purchased by any single person in an online event ticket sale.

It is important to understand that these kinds of activities can take place not just with computers, but with phones, tablets, and other types of electronic devices.

If you would like to schedule an initial consultation, contact a Colorado criminal defense attorney, we represent clients in Boulder, Colorado, and the surrounding area. The Savela Law Firm, P.C. Give us a call at (720) 821-1001 or complete our inquiry form.

With the exception of accessing a computer without authorization, which is a class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense and a class 6 felony if the person has a prior computer crime conviction, the penalties associated with cyber or computer crime in Colorado vary depending upon the nature of the offense and the value of the theft or loss by the alleged victim.

Contact a Colorado criminal defense lawyer representing clients in Boulder, CO today to schedule your initial consultation.

Value of Damage or Theft Class of Offense Presumptive Penalties

1. Less than $300 Class 2 Misdemeanor 3 to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000
2. $500 to $1,000 Class 1 Misdemeanor 6 to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000
3. $1,000 to $20,000 Class 4 Felony 2 to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000
4. $20,000 or greater Class 3 Felony 4 to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000

If you have been charged with a computer or cyber a skilled Denver cybercrime attorney is essential. Get in touch with experienced Denver cybercrime defense attorney Jason Savela by calling (720) 821-1001.