But that's just it. Nothing of any serious value (communicative or otherwise) was released. If he'd managed to hack into a government server and discover/share sensitive gummint binnis.... THEN he'd be up shit's creek with the paddle in his ass.
Sure, that would be worse for him. But it's pretty hard for him to play the whole "I made a mistake" card considering his actions subsequent to accessing the email account. Thus: he will look bad to a jury, and get time. The prosecutor's obviously playing hardball or this would have gone away already.
Oftentimes, hackers expose the truth hiding behind the lies. For that, they are redeemable.
http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/09/lawyer-for-pali.htmlPalin 'Hacker' Trial Pushed Back to May
By Kim Zetter EmailNovember 14, 2008 | 249 PMCategories: Crime, Hacks and Cracks, The Courts
Davidkernell
The trial of 20-year-old college student David Kernell has been pushed back from December 16 to next May 19 to allow the prosecution and defense more time to examine forensic evidence.
David Kernell is accused of obtaining unauthorized access to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's Yahoo e-mail account by changing her password to "popcorn." He's also accused of posting the new password to a web forum, enabling other intruders to access her account.
As discussed here yesterday, Kernell has asked the court to throw out the felony charge against him, saying the alleged crime is only a misdemeanor.
Notice now that McCain Palin lost he's not on the front-burner any more?