Can You Be Charged With a Crime for Cyberbullying?

Posted on: February 10th, 2023 by Dod Law

How serious of a crime is cyberbullying? In the eyes of justice, it’s more than meets the eye; depending on where you live, individuals who engage in this malicious behavior can be charged with a criminal offense and may face severe legal repercussions. 

Cyber bullying affects countless people, especially children and teens, and its effects are far-reaching. However, if you feel like you were wrongfully accused of cyberbullying or of other charges related to this, make sure you reach out to our team at Dod Law, APC to make sure your rights are protected. 

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a type of online abuse that aims to emotionally and psychologically manipulate victims. 

Examples of such manipulation techniques include sending demeaning emails, posting disparaging content on social media platforms, disseminating rumors about someone without their consent, and creating fake profiles for the purpose of humiliation or embarrassment. These all happen with the malicious objective of harming another’s reputation.

Despite the grave dangers of cyberbullying, it remains relatively new in regard to criminal offense. Fortunately, with increasing awareness of its danger, more states have started imposing laws that recognize and penalize cyberbullying as a crime within the last decade.

The Legal Consequences of Cyberbullying

In some states, if someone is charged with cyberbullying, they could face criminal charges and be sentenced to jail time, depending on the severity of the offense. Even in states without specific laws that address cyberbullying, perpetrators can still be charged with federal cybercrime offenses, like stalking or harassment. 

California’s Safe Place to Learn Act, combined with other code sections, ensures that every student has a right to attend school in a safe and peaceful atmosphere. Moreover, any extreme form of bullying inflicted upon someone via electronic means could be addressed as a misdemeanor charge. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or other consequence due to cyberbullying, it’s important to reach out to a skilled lawyer who can clear up the charges and work hard on your behalf.

In addition to criminal charges, those charged with cyberbullying may also face civil suits. Victims can file a lawsuit against the bully for damages caused by their behavior. The amount of money awarded varies depending on the extent of harm inflicted, but can range from thousands to millions of dollars in some cases.

What to Do If You Are Charged With a Cyberbullying Charge

If you have been incorrectly charged with a cyberbullying crime, the best step you can take is to reach out to a trusted lawyer. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime, along with any evidence that has been provided, the charges leveled against you may vary. 

Partnering with a lawyer can help you make sure that your rights are protected every step of the way during the legal process. Lawyers can also help gather evidence, fight for your side in court if necessary, and also negotiate with various other parties involved. 

Call Trusted Cyberbully Lawyers at Dod Law, APC

If you believe you have been wronged as a result of cyberbullying and would like to pursue legal action, contact Dod Law, APC today. Our attorneys have over 18 years of experience and can help you understand your legal rights, provide you with information about the best course of action, and guide you through the court process if necessary. 

We understand that this kind of treatment can feel overwhelming, which is why we take a compassionate and personalized approach to each case. So don’t wait – call us at (619) 814-5110 today or submit our online contact form and let us fight for you. We believe everyone deserves justice and are here to help you get it.