Computer crimes in Rhode Island include unauthorized access to computer systems (hacking), identity theft via electronic means, possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material, cyberstalking, online fraud, electronic harassment, and unauthorized use of computer credentials. Many computer crimes are charged under both Rhode Island law and federal computer fraud statutes (Computer Fraud and Abuse Act). Federal computer crime charges typically carry significantly longer sentences than state-level equivalents. The technical complexity of these cases — preserving electronic evidence, challenging forensic analysis, addressing IP addressing issues — demands specialized defense counsel familiar with digital forensics.
