Criminal Lawyers Melbourne

White Collar Crime Topics Menu

Criminal Lawyers Melbourne

Recent Articles

Red Light Camera - Not Guilty
Case study, by VIC criminal lawyers.
Sexual Offences - Successful appeal against conviction
Case study, by VIC criminal lawyers.
Aggravated Burglary and assault charges - Good behaviour bondhrges
Case study, by VIC criminal lawyers.
Assault - Charges withdrawn
Case study, by VIC criminal lawyers.
Obtaining property by deception - Suspended Sentence
Case study, by VIC criminal lawyers.
Rape - Discharged at Committal
Case study, by VIC criminal lawyers.
Unlawful Assault - Charges Dismissed
Case study, by VIC criminal lawyers.
Criminal Lawyers Melbourne

Doogue & O'Brien Testimonials

"I don't think I could have coped if I lost my trial. The preparation you put in was amazing."

Gary F

"I was proud that we stood up and fought the charges. I would have lost everything if I had been found guilty."

Peter L

"Your compassion during my time of need was outstanding. Many thanks."

Cameron A

"Lots of people kept telling me I should plead guilty except for your firm. You were right."

Lee W

"Everyone was judging me except for you. That support really helped me get through a terrible time."

John A

Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment

Criminal Lawyers Melbourne
ADLA member for - VIC

Written by
Josh Taaffe
Criminal Defence Lawyer


Other (inc. Computer Offences) - VIC
The Law - Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment

What the Law states - Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment


Crimes Act 1958 - SECT 247C

Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment

247C. Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment

A person who-

(a) causes any unauthorised modification of data held in a computer; and

(b) knows that the modification is unauthorised; and

(c) intends by the modification to impair access to, or to impair the reliability, security or operation of, any data held in a 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 modification of data to cause impairment - Vic



1. That the accused caused a modification of data held in a computer
2. The modification was unauthorised
3. The accused knew the modification was unauthorised
4. The accused inteded by the modification or was reckless as to the modification either
(i) impairing access to, or
(ii) impairing the reliability, security or operation of, any data held in a computer.

Possible Defences - Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment


1. Factual Dispute

2. Authority

3. Duress

Which court will hear the charge of Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment



County Court
Article published on 09/01/2009. To check if any changes to the law please discuss with one of our lawyers.
Criminal Lawyers Melbourne
 Speak to a Lawyer Eamil us your question Book now Request a quote


Level 5/221 Queen St Melbourne, Victoria (03) 9670 5111
Broadmeadows (03) 9351 1455       Heidelberg (03) 9458 3700

Criminal Lawyers Melbourne Criminal Lawyers Melbourne