[hugh3]

Again, it's the distinction between accessing something you're not authorized to access and accessing something you are authorized to access but shouldn't.

If I break into google and poop on the floor of their server room, I can be arrested, but if one of their sysadmins gets in with their key and then poops on the floor of the server room, they can only be fired.

[shasta]

First let me complain about the rule that says I cannot reply to a direct descendant post. But I'm apparently allowed to reply to you here. Anyway, IANAL, but a google search turned up this, which looks relevant:

http://www.justice.gov/criminal/cybercrime/ECPA2701_2712.htm

Even if it's not, I maintain that if you've done something that seems like it might be illegal, they can usually find something to charge you with.