Penal Law § 156.25

Computer tampering in the third degree · as in force on May 31, 2026

§ 156.25 Computer tampering in the third degree.

A person is guilty of computer tampering in the third degree when he commits the crime of computer tampering in the fourth degree and:

1. he does so with an intent to commit or attempt to commit or further the commission of any felony; or

2. he has been previously convicted of any crime under this article or subdivision eleven of section 165.15 of this chapter; or

3. he intentionally alters in any manner or destroys computer material; or

4. he intentionally alters in any manner or destroys computer data or a computer program so as to cause damages in an aggregate amount exceeding one thousand dollars; or

5. he intentionally enters or alters in any manner or destroys computer material indicating that a person did or did not receive a vaccination against COVID-19.

Computer tampering in the third degree is a class E felony.

Official sourcehttps://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/156.25

In plain English

A person commits third-degree computer tampering by committing fourth-degree computer tampering and:

(1) intending to commit, attempt, or further any felony;
(2) having a prior conviction under this article or § 165.15(11);
(3) intentionally altering or destroying computer material;
(4) intentionally altering or destroying data or a program causing total damage exceeding $1,000; or
(5) intentionally entering, altering, or destroying material stating whether someone received a COVID-19 vaccination. ★

It is a class E felony.

Marked in the text: penalties, time limits, sums of money. Editorial emphasis added by this edition; it does not appear in the statute as enacted.

In print

This provision appears in Volume 4 — The Court Clerk: Penal Law; Volume 1 — The Court Officer in Plain English; Volume 3 — The Court Officer: Penal Law; Volume 3 — Your Career: Penal Law in Plain English.