Fraud Connected With Computers, 18 USC Sec. 1030

[JohnWiles]

My question involves criminal law under federal code. Long time lurker, just trying to understand 18 USC Sec 1030 a bit more. Confusing!

What is the maximum penalty if you knowingly and with intent to defraud, accesses a protected computer without authorization, or exceeds authorized access, and by means of such conduct furthers the fraud and obtains anything of value? I know it references a few different dollar amounts, but I'm not entirely tracking on the maximum imprisonment penalty.

Secondly, what is the maximum penalty if you recklessly cause the transmission of a program, information, code, or command, and as a result of such conduct, intentionally causes damage without authorization, being certain kinds of damage aggregating at least $ 5,000 in value or creating a risk to personal or public safety? I believe it's five years in prison, but again, not well versed in US code and I'm not entirely sure.

Thanks in advance!

[Mr. Knowitall]

The penalties are outlined in subsection (c). What part of that subsection is confusing?

Where does "recklessly" come from? The statute punishes knowing violations - intent matters.