Serious question - are computer hackers sent to federal prisons, state prisons or

[malaise]

private prisons?

[Iggo]

1. Depends on who's prosecuting, I suppose.

[Javaman]

2. and what was hacked. ;) nt

[Glitterati]

3. Could be BOTH

One can face state and federal charges for the same act.

In fact, legally, they should face both. But, typically, if the FEDS have a case the state chooses not to prosecute.

[OldDem2012]

4. Depends on a number of factors...

...is it a first time offense?

...did the hacker knowingly send out a malicious virus with the intent to do damage to the computers/networks receiving the virus?

...did the hacker break into secure corporate networks with the intent to steal data?

...was the hacker just fooling around with no malicious intent but got busted by a secure government site?

There are more potential scenarios, but any prison sentences may be suspended based on the severity of the hacking activity.

The prison facility will be dictated by the crime committed. For instance, if the hacker broke into a secure government facility, a federal prison would be his destination. If the hacker committed localized hacking limited to one state, the hacker will probably serve out his term in a state or private prison.

Here's something that may help...contains crimes committed and sentences received:

List of computer criminals