[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Originally Posted by Wisha Haddan H3

A guy in Michigan connects to an unsecured, unencrypted, unbranded, and otherwise open wireless network at a wi-fi cafe, and now faces a felony charge for "hacking" in for internet access. Yep ... a felony charge. (He's taking the plea bargain)

So be careful out there ... and next time just get a latte.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,276720,00.html

"A lot of people tell me I should fight this, but they're not the ones looking at the felony charges on their record if it happens to go bad," Peterson said.
The case has surprised locals, including the owner of the barbershop that initially called police, as well as Donna May, owner of the coffee shop.
"He could have just come in the cafe, even if he didn't have any money, I would let him get on it," May said.
May said that the wireless connection is free for customers to her cafe.
The barbershop owner defended his decision to call police.
"I felt bad about it, but we've had problems in the past," said the man, who declined to give his name. "I'd rather be safe than sorry."
For Peterson, who's never had a criminal record, the experience has been an eye-opening one.

The smart thing would be for May, the owner of the Coffee Shop to convince Law Enforcement to "DROP THE CHARGES" The guy thought he wasn't doing anything wrong (read the ENTIRE link) It would be GREAT PUBLICITY for the Coffee Shop instead on the negative image it might receive...