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Unauthorised impairment of data held in computer disk, credit card or other device

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Written by
Josh Taaffe
Criminal Defence Lawyer

Contact Josh Taaffe 

03 9670 5111


Other (inc. Computer Offences) - VIC
The Law - Unauthorised impairment of data held in computer disk, credit card or other device

What the Law states - Unauthorised impairment of data held in computer disk, credit card or other device


Crimes Act 1958 - SECT 247H

Unauthorised impairment of data held in computer disk, credit card or other device

247H. Unauthorised impairment of data held in computer disk, credit card or other device

(1) A person who-

(a) causes any unauthorised impairment of the reliability, security or operation of data held on a computer disk, credit card or other device used to store data by electronic means; and

(b) knows that the impairment is unauthorised; and

(c) intends to cause the impairment-

is guilty of an offence and liable to level 7 imprisonment (2 years maximum).

(2) An offence against this section is a summary offence.

(3) For the purposes of this section, impairment of reliability, security or operation of data is unauthorised if the person is not entitled to cause the impairment.

Maximum Penalty in Victoria




2 years

What the Prosecution must prove - Unauthorised impairment of data held in computer disk, credit card or other device - Vic




1. That the accused person causes an impairment of the reliability, security or operation of data.

2. The impairment was unauthorised.

3. The accused knew that it was unauthorised.

4. The accused intended to cause the impairment.

5. The data was held in computer disk, credit card or other device used to store data by electronic means.

Possible Defences - Unauthorised impairment of data held in computer disk, credit card or other device




1. Factual Dispute

2. Authority

3. Duress

Which court will hear the charge of Unauthorised impairment of data held in computer disk, credit card or other device




An offence against this section is a summary offence and the matter will be dealt with in the Magistrates' Court.
Article published on 01/09/2009. To check if any changes to the law please discuss with one of our lawyers.
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