New York statute

N.Y. Penal Law § 156.20 — Computer tampering in the fourth degree

Current through 2026 legislative session (LBDC text via OpenLegislation as of 2026-07-17)

Part of Article 156: Offenses Involving Computers; Definition of Terms, New York Penal Law.

Criminal charges under this statute

Computer tampering in the fourth degree

Full text of N.Y. Penal Law § 156.20

Statutory text current through the 2026 legislative session (LBDC text via OpenLegislation as of 2026-07-17). This publication reproduces the text of the Consolidated Laws of New York as provided by the New York State Senate's Open Legislation service (Legislative Bill Drafting Commission statutory text); it is not the official statutes of the State of New York.

N.Y. Penal Law § 156.20Primary source, current through the 2026 legislative session (LBDC text via OpenLegislation as of 2026-07-17)

156.20 Computer tampering in the fourth degree. A person is guilty of computer tampering in the fourth degree when he or she uses, causes to be used, or accesses a computer, computer service, or computer network without authorization and he or she intentionally alters in any manner or destroys computer data or a computer program of another person. Computer tampering in the fourth degree is a class A misdemeanor.

Official sources

Official OLLS publication (Title download)

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

What class of misdemeanor is computer tampering in the fourth degree in New York?

Computer tampering in the fourth degree is a Class A Misdemeanor in New York under N.Y. Penal Law § 156.20.

Which New York statute covers computer tampering in the fourth degree?

Computer tampering in the fourth degree is governed by N.Y. Penal Law § 156.20 (Computer tampering in the fourth degree).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.