1.    A person commits computer fraud by gaining or attempting to gain access to, altering, damaging, modifying, copying, disclosing, taking possession of, or destroying any computer, computer system, computer network, or any part of the computer, computer system, or computer network, without authorization, and with the intent to devise or execute any scheme or artifice to defraud, deceive, prevent the authorized use of, or control property or services by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises. A person who commits computer fraud is guilty of a class C felony.

Attorney's Note

Under the North Dakota Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
Class C felonyup to 5 yearsup to $10,000
Class A misdemeanorup to 360 daysup to $3,000
For details, see § 12.1-32-01

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Terms Used In North Dakota Code 12.1-06.1-08

  • action: means a bodily movement, whether voluntary or involuntary. See North Dakota Code 12.1-01-04
  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Devise: To gift property by will.
  • Fraud: Intentional deception resulting in injury to another.
  • person: includes , where relevant, a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, unincorporated association, or other legal entity. See North Dakota Code 12.1-01-04
  • Property: includes property, real and personal. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
  • Restitution: The court-ordered payment of money by the defendant to the victim for damages caused by the criminal action.

2.    A person commits computer crime by intentionally and either in excess of authorization given or without authorization gaining or attempting to gain access to, altering, damaging, modifying, copying, disclosing, taking possession of, introducing a computer contaminant into, destroying, or preventing the authorized use of any computer, computer system, or computer network, or any computer software, program, or data contained in the computer, computer system, or computer network. A person who commits computer crime is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

3.    In addition to any other remedy available, the owner or lessee of a computer, computer system, computer network, or any part of the computer, computer system, or computer network may bring a civil action for damages, restitution, and attorney’s fees for damages incurred as a result of the violation of this section.