What are the legal ramifications for hacking a messageboard server

From: Jack (nfr_at_nospam.com)
Date: 06/30/04 

Date: Wed, 30 Jun 2004 07:35:03 -0700

I was recently the victim of a hacker obtaining private profile information
from a well-known public figures messageboard. The owners have promised to
ban the individual responsible if he can be determined, but I think this is
far too light. Compromising a server in order to obtain personal information
strikes me as something that might be illegal (and, if not, it SHOULD be).

If it is illegal, I would like for them to press charges.

Does anyone know the law on this?