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.
1988 c 577 s 47,62; 1989 c 336 art 2 s 8; 2020 c 82 s 7
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 625 - 634 — Criminal Procedure; Peace Officers; Privacy Of Communications
Chapter 626A — Wire, Electronic, Or Oral Communications; Interception
Section 626A.01 — Definitions.
Section 626A.05 — Authorization For Interception Of Wire, Electronic, Or Oral Communications.
Section 626A.06 — Procedure For Interception Of Wire, Electronic, Or Oral Communications.
Section 626A.065 — Emergency Interception.
Section 626A.07 — Return Filed By Officer.
Section 626A.08 — Preservation Of Material Obtained, Applications And Orders; Destruction.
Section 626A.10 — Notice To Defendant.
Section 626A.11 — Admissibility Of Intercepted Evidence.
Section 626A.12 — Motion To Suppress Evidence.
Section 626A.13 — Civil Remedies.
Section 626A.14 — Obtaining Telephone And Telegraph Company Information.
Section 626A.15 — Duty To Report Violations.
Section 626A.16 — Telephone Company To Aid In Detection.
Section 626A.17 — Report Concerning Interception Of Communications.
Section 626A.18 — Illegal Transfers Of Intercepting Devices.
Section 626A.19 — Forfeitures.
Section 626A.20 — Suspension Or Revocation Of Licenses.
Section 626A.25 — Injunction Against Illegal Interception.
Section 626A.26 — Unlawful Access To Stored Communications.
Section 626A.27 — Disclosure Of Contents.
Section 626A.28 — Requirements For Governmental Access.
Section 626A.31 — Cost Reimbursement.
Section 626A.32 — Civil Action.
Section 626A.33 — Exclusivity Of Remedies.
Section 626A.34 — Definitions.
Section 626A.38 — Register, Trap And Trace Device, Or Mobile Tracking Device.
Section 626A.381 — Service Or Notice; Inventory.
Section 626A.39 — Definitions.
Section 626A.391 — Civil Action; Damages.