Posted on November 1, 2024 in Arizona Law
Bullying has been a problem for a long time. Parents and teachers can identify and stop bullying through bullying prevention strategies. However, cyberbullying has added an entirely new facet to this severe problem. An anonymous person can bully someone from behind a computer or other electronic device.
Cyberbullying can be extremely harmful because billions of people worldwide have internet access. It can occur at any time of the day and create a negative online reputation for the victim, impacting numerous aspects of their life for many years. Cyberbullying is also hard to address because teachers and parents do not always see or overhear bullying that takes place online.
In some situations, cyberbullying can result in criminal charges. Therefore, the bully may also experience life-changing consequences because of their actions. It is essential to seek legal advice from a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Cyberbullying is intimidation or harassment that takes place online using digital devices, such as computers, cell phones, and tablets. The purpose is to embarrass, humiliate, harm, threaten, or hurt the victim.
Social media platforms are common places for cyberbullying. However, someone may use texts, emails, chat rooms, instant messaging, online forums, and blogs to cyberbully someone. Almost any website or online platform can be used for cyberbullying.
Common forms of cyberbullying include:
Long-term cyberbullying can have a profound impact on the victim. It can cause chronic depression, anxiety, withdrawal, isolation, and suicidal thoughts. It may be necessary to seek mental health treatment and counseling for victims of cyberbullying.
Many of the cases of cyberbullying fall under Arizona’s anti-harassment laws. It is illegal in Arizona to intentionally harass someone by communicating with them in a harassing manner, including through electronic means.
Harassment is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail and a maximum fine of $2,500. Aggravated harassment is a felony punishable by up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of $150,000.
Cyberbullying may also result in a charge of threatening or intimidating someone. It is a misdemeanor offense in Arizona. A person can be charged with this crime for using conduct or language to threaten bodily harm or damage to property. A conviction can result in a maximum fine of $2,500 and up to six months in county jail.
Arizona has made “revenge porn” a felony. A person can be charged with a Class 5 felony for sharing naked photos or videos of an ex-partner. If they share the images or video electronically, it is a Class 4 felony.
Cyberbullying could also result in additional criminal charges, including stalking, blackmail, and more. The charges depend on the circumstances and facts of the case.
Know it is not your fault, and ensure your child knows they are not to blame. The bully is the person who has a problem.
Document what has happened with dates, times, and screenshots or copies of the posts and messages. If necessary, report cyberbullying to the content creator, school administrators, and even local law enforcement.
If your child is being cyberbullied, contacting the bully’s parents is usually not wise. Some parents may become defensive and abusive. Instead, allowing school officials and law enforcement to handle the situation may be better.
Cyberbullying can result in a criminal history and severe penalties. It is essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible. There could be one or more defenses to the cyberbullying charges.
An attorney may identify mitigating circumstances that could reduce the charges and/or sentence. Furthermore, experienced lawyers are familiar with diversion programs and alternative sentencing that could be a part of a plea deal.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.
