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Minnesota Statutes Criminal Procedure. Peace Officers. Privacy of Communications (Ch. 625-634) § 626A.26. Unlawful access to stored communications

Current as of January 01, 2023 | Updated by FindLaw Staff

Subdivision 1. Offense.Except as provided in subdivision 3, 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 the electronic storage in a system must be punished as provided in subdivision 2.

Subd. 2. Punishment.The punishment for an offense under subdivision 1 is:

(1) if the offense is committed for purposes of commercial advantage, malicious destruction or damage, or private commercial gain:

(i) a fine of not more than $250,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, in the case of a first offense under this clause; and

(ii) a fine of not more than $250,000 or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both, for any subsequent offense under this clause;

(2) a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both, in any other case.

Subd. 3. Exceptions. Subdivision 1 does not apply with respect to conduct authorized:

(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 sections 626.085, 626A.05 to 626A.09, or 626A.28.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Minnesota Statutes Criminal Procedure. Peace Officers. Privacy of Communications (Ch. 625-634) § 626A.26. Unlawful access to stored communications - last updated January 01, 2023 | https://codes.findlaw.com/mn/criminal-procedure-peace-officers-privacy-of-communications-ch-625-634/mn-st-sect-626a-26/

Read this complete Minnesota Statutes Criminal Procedure. Peace Officers. Privacy of Communications (Ch. 625-634) § 626A.26. Unlawful access to stored communications on Westlaw. Westlaw subscription required.

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