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Unauthorised impairment of electronic communication

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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 electronic communication

What the Law states - Unauthorised impairment of electronic communication


Crimes Act 1958 - SECT 247D

Unauthorised impairment of electronic communication

247D. Unauthorised impairment of electronic communication

A person who-

(a) causes any unauthorised impairment of electronic communication to or
from a computer; and

(b) knows that the impairment is unauthorised; and

(c) intends to impair electronic communication to or from the computer or
is reckless as to any such impairment-

is guilty of an offence and liable to level 5 imprisonment (10 years maximum).

Maximum Penalty in Victoria



10 years

What the Prosecution must prove - Unauthorised impairment of electronic communication - Vic


1. That the accused caused an impairment of electronic communication to or from a computer.

2. That the impairment was unauthorised.

3. The accused knew the impairment was unauthorised.

4. The accused either

(i) intended to impair electronic communication to or from the computer; or

(ii) was reckless as to any such impairment.

Possible Defences - Unauthorised impairment of electronic communication


1. Factual Dispute:

(i) Impairment caused with authority

(ii) Impairment not intended

2. Duress

Which court will hear the charge of Unauthorised impairment of electronic communication



County 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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