Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act - Felonies and Misdemeanors

The words "computer crime" generally conjures one of two ideas: high-tech espionage or child pornography. However, in Oklahoma these take on a much broader approach. From online solicitation of a minor and other internet sex crimes to hacking and fraud, these crimes in Oklahoma are clearly defined by the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act (21 O.S. 1951 et. seq.). Section 1953 of the Oklahoma Statutes deems the following to be criminal offenses: (partial list)

1. Willfully, and without authorization, gain or attempt to gain access to and damage, modify, alter, delete, destroy, copy, make use of, disclose or take possession of a computer, network or any other property;

2. Use a computer or any other property as defined for the purpose of devising or executing a scheme or artifice with the intent to defraud, deceive, extort or for the purpose of controlling or obtaining money, property, services or other thing of value by means of a false or fraudulent pretense or representation;

3. Willfully exceed the limits of authorization and damage, modify, alter, destroy, copy, delete, disclose or take possession of a computer, computer system, computer network or any other property;

4. Willfully and without authorization, gain or attempt to gain access to a computer, computer system, computer network or any other property;

Under the Oklahoma law, some of these crimes are misdemeanor offenses, but most of the offenses are felonies. Misdemeanors include:

• Accessing a computer or network without authorization

• Using or allowing the use of a computer service without authorization

• Using a computer, computer system, or computer network to abuse, threaten, or harass another individual

The six remaining crimes are felonies. Some specific examples of CPU crime include internet fraud; computer sexual exploitation; copyright piracy (illegally downloading music, for example); hacking; and development and distribution of viruses, worms, bots, spyware, and malware.

Along with the increasing access to computers and the internet comes increased responsibility for ethical use of technology. By abusing the privileges of technology through internet sex crimes and other computer crimes, one risks the consequences of conviction. Conviction of a misdemeanor computer crime in Oklahoma is can result in a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail and up to $5,000 in fines. Oklahoma computer crime felonies are punishable by fines of $5,000 to $100,000 and a maximum prison sentence of ten years. Additionally those convicted are also subject to civil lawsuits as well as criminal charges.

For more information please see this site Oklahoma computer crimes defense lawyer

Benz Bandit With Oklahoma Ties Steals Luxury Cars

Michael Konopasek, News 9

ALTUS, Oklahoma -- Police in at least four states are looking for an Oklahoma man accused of stealing nearly $250.000 worth of luxury cars.

He's been dubbed the "Benz Bandit" across the country and the alleged con man calls Altus his home.

Police said he picked up his first ride in Indiana.  Add Illinois, Missouri, and Florida to the mix, and he has been quite busy.

Twenty-two-year-old Justin Durbin is wanted by police across the country.

Surveillance video shows Durbin at a suburban car dealership in Indiana.  Police said he approaches the dealer for a test drive and once he's given the car, he never returns.

He has been accused of stealing three Mercedes and, most recently, a $98,000 Bentley in Naples, Florida.

Even though people remember him from his days in Altus, his former neighbors said they haven't seen Durbin in about two years.

Police in Altus said they have not been contacted by police departments from the other states in which Durbin is believed to have stolen cars.

View the original article here

Regents Approve Oklahoma Tuition Increases

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State higher education regents have approved tuition and mandatory fee increases for Oklahoma's public colleges and universities.

Regents voted 8-1 Thursday on the tuition-increase proposals for the upcoming school year. They include a 5 percent increase at the University of Oklahoma and a 4.8 percent increase at Oklahoma State University.

Students at those two research universities will pay an average of $334 more per year in tuition. Students at the state's 11 regional universities will pay about 5.7 percent more in tuition, an increase of about $251 a year.

Students at Oklahoma's 12 community colleges will pay an average of 6.6 percent more. That's an annual increase of about $180.

Higher education received about a 5.8 percent funding cut from the Legislature for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

View the original article here