In light of some recent discussion, I thought I'd forward this quote, from the LA Times:
HARD TIME AWAITS HACKERS GUILTY OF WEB ATTACKS Whether it's a group of international terrorists or a 16-year-old whose prank has gotten way out of hand, whoever is behind this week's series of "denial of service" assaults on popular Web sites could face serious penalties. If the damage is intentional, penalties range from six months to five years in prison, plus a fine of up to $250,000 for the first offense, and up to 10 years in prison for the second offense. Unintentional damage caused by negligence is punishable by up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine. The U.S. penalties apply even to foreigners if a U.S. computer is used in the attack. (Los Angeles Times 9 Feb 2000) http://www.latimes.com/business/cutting/techwr/20000209/tCB00V0261.html
I'd like to call special attention to that last sentence. For those folks who were telling me I was "off base", "not thinking globally", "being an ugly American", or similar horseshit during this discussion, see here that I am not alone in thinking that somebody is very likely to be dragged into US custody yet again over this.