California’s History with Cyberstalking Laws
Cyberstalking is a form of stalking that is carried out through electronic communication mediums, such as the internet. California was one of the first states to propose laws regarding cyberstalking after online harassment became a visible problem in the late 1990s. Depending on the details of a case and any existing criminal history, an individual may be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony if it is found that they are guilty of cyberstalking.
If you or someone you know has been accused of cyberstalking, you need a strong legal defense to protect your rights and freedoms. Contact a San Jose criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Daniel Jensen, P.C., today at 408-296-4100 to discuss your case and learn more about what you can do to defend yourself against this damaging charge.
Examples of Cyberstalking
Because of the subjectivity involved in this type of crime, what may seem like harmless attention-seeking to one individual may cause another to feel threatened. Therefore, it is important to understand what exactly constitutes cyberstalking. The following are some examples of cyberstalking activities:
- Unwanted or harassing emails
- Posing as another individual on message boards or chat rooms
- Posting embarrassing or unwanted information about another individual
- Using another person’s online accounts
While not all of these acts automatically qualify as cyberstalking, any individual behaving in these ways should carefully consider their motivations and intentions before acting. Intent to cause financial or personal damage is often a crucial component of cyberstalking prosecutions.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know has been accused of cyberstalking, contact a San Jose criminal defense attorney from the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, P.C., today at 408-296-4100.
