Opinion ID: 1367783
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Definition of Computer Trespass

Text: Riley also contends that his convictions of computer trespass against Telco must be reversed because his conduct  repeatedly dialing Telco's general access number and entering random 6-digit numbers in an attempt to discover access codes belonging to others  does not satisfy the statutory definition of computer trespass. We disagree. [13, 14] RCW 9A.52.110 provides in relevant part that [a] person is guilty of computer trespass in the first degree if the person, without authorization, intentionally gains access to a computer system or electronic data base of another.... Riley contends the telephone company's long-distance switch is not a computer under RCW 9A.52.110. We reject this contention. The trial court explicitly found that the switch is a computer. This finding was based on unrebutted expert testimony. A trial court's findings of fact will not be disturbed on appeal when they are supported by undisputed evidence. Leonard v. Washington Employers, Inc., 77 Wn.2d 271, 272, 461 P.2d 538 (1969). Riley also argues that acts accomplished by simply dialing the telephone are not encompassed within the statutorily defined crime of computer trespass, and are merely the equivalent of placing a telephone call. He contends he is not guilty of computer trespass because he did not enter, read, insert, or copy data from the telephone system's computer switch. Instead, he argues, RCW 9.26A.110, dealing with telephone fraud, is more appropriately applied. Riley's acts were not equivalent to placing a telephone call. He used his home computer to dial Telco's general access number and enter random 6-digit numbers representing customer access codes every 40 seconds for several hours at a time. Moreover, RCW 9A.52.110 criminalizes the unauthorized, intentional access of a computer system. The term access is defined under RCW 9A.52.010(6) as to approach ... or otherwise make use of any resources of a computer, directly or by electronic means. Riley's repeated attempts to discover access codes by sequentially entering random 6-digit numbers constitute approach[ing] or otherwise mak[ing] use of any resources of a computer. The switch is a computer. Long-distance calls are processed through the switch. Riley was approaching the switch each time he entered the general access number, followed by a random 6-digit number representing a customer access code, and a destination number. Therefore, Riley's conduct satisfied the statutory definition of access and so was properly treated as computer trespass. [5]