Stalking, explains Carvalho, "is a form of cyberbullying, a crime against honor committed in a virtual environment, while cyberstalking is a crime of threat, which may be reflected in the criminal misdemeanor law due to the disturbance of tranquility it promotes." For instance, one common provision allows the nonconsensual distribution of a persons intimate imagery if the release is in the public interest. This potentially grants less protection for public figures, such as politicians and celebrities. In Texas, stalking is either a third-degree felony or second-degree if its a repeated offense. Section 646.9 of the California Penal Code (entitled "Stalking") provides in part that: "Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family is guilty makes it a federal crime, punishable by up to two years in prison, to use PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. I hope other people will think twice about it.. https://badassarmy.org/blog/ Additionally, if you keep an online calendar (using Google Calendar, for example), make sure that your accounts are set to private and not unintentionally shared with co-workers or others, so that possible perpetrators wont know where you plan to be. Section 646.9 of the California Penal Code (entitled Stalking) provides in part that: Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family is guilty of the crime of stalking. California law states that a credible threat can be verbal or written, including that performed through the use of an electronic communication device, or a threat implied by a pattern of conduct or a combination of verbal, written, or electronically communicated statements and conduct, made with the intent to place the person that is the target of the threat in reasonable fear for his or her safety or the safety of his or her family, and made with the apparent ability to carry out the threat so as to cause the person who is the target of the threat to reasonably fear for his or her safety or the safety of his or her family. This crime is punishable by up to one year in jail, or by a fine of $1,000, or by both. According to Florida Statute 784.048 (3), "A person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyberstalks another person and makes a credible threat to that person commits the offense of aggravated stalking, a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084." "Credible threat," In the state of New York, stalking in the fourth degree is defined (in PEN 120.45) as intentionally engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person, and having knowledge that this conduct: . My neighbors ex-husband has been hacking her computer and cell phone in a very disruptive manner. Can I get a restraining order based on stalking/cyberstalking? Interstate Stalking: Section 2261A(1) makes it a federal crime to travel across state, tribal or international lines to stalk another person with "the intent to kill, injure, harass, or place under surveillance with intent to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate another person." 2261A. to combat cyberstalking. A false claim of stalking might be used as a form of retaliation or vengeance. However, some state NCII laws can make it harder for the victim to seek justice. We found in our research that many states which claim to have cyberstalking laws . Cyber harassment. absent a showing of intent to entice or solicit the child for illicit sexual I am a middle school student, and I am doing an argument essay on cyberstalking. Under this law it is a federal felony to cross state lines to stalk or harass an individual if the conduct causes fear of serious bodily injury or death to the stalking victim or to the victim's immediate family members. Get FBI email alerts Outright threats occur when someone claims that the stalker threatened them with violence or death, or threatens a loved one or a pet. I realize she will need specific proof such as messages sent, possible IP addresses and so forth. Lengthy prison sentences and large fines could result from something as simple as a misunderstanding or retaliation because of a troubled relationship. Both men were eventually convicted and sentenced to prison for their crimes under federal cyberstalking statutes. The law specifically states that it's a crime for a person to use any of the following to commit a stalking offense: Electronic communication system of interstate commerce; or. Go to our Safety Tips for Stalking Victims page for more information. to travel across state lines with the intent to injure or harass another person One provision of this statute Posts may also be lewd or controversial and result in the victim receiving numerous emails, calls or visits from people who read the post online. Federal law provides some tools So they reported it.. This is tricky when victims and defendants live in different states. Cyberstalking. In the past few years, cyberstalking has become a serious problem for many people. What government agencies in the United States can be contacted to report Cyber-Stalking? That information helped show a pattern of behavior. Latigo not only demanded sex, he also sent his victim horrible images and threatening messages. Under Colorado Revised Statutes section 18-3-602, the crime of stalking involves either: A cyberstalker acts of out of anger, or a need to control, or gain revenge over another person through threats, fear, and intimidation. This statute could be useful in situations where a victim has been secretly recorded through his/her own computer, or where the perpetrator gained access to sexual photos or videos through unauthorized access to the victims computer. Stalking involves a credible threat and repeated behavior that reasonably causes another person to be afraid or suffer serious emotional distress. causes, attempts to cause, or would be reasonably expected to cause substantial emotional distress to a person described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of subparagraph (A); or. Cyberstalking in New York. The victim does not have to prove that the stalker had the intent to carry out the threat. If the defendants actions caused a permanent disability or dismemberment to the victim, the defendants sentence could be increased to twenty years. Armed only with Internet access and their phone, tablet, or laptop, a stalker can get online and threaten his or her target from another city, state, or continent, and even shield or hide his or her location. lawmakers, policy officials, and law enforcement agencies. Section 223(a)(1)(C)). Both state and federal laws prohibit cyberstalking. Members of Houstons Innocent Images Task Forcewhich investigates child pornographyhelped search Latigos electronics. By the very nature of cyberstalking, a victim can reside in one state, while being stalked online by a person in another state. Internet. Most states have venue statutes that require a case to be filed where the actual offense was committed. If comments or messages made on the internet or phone could be construed as a threat, a person could be looking at years in prison if convicted. lines makes it largely inapplicable to cyberstalking cases. Many victims of cyberstalking dont know the identity of the stalkers. to prevent spyware attacks on your devices. It can be carried out in a number of ways, many of which involve technology and online spaces. Is Mental Illness A Valid Defense In Criminal Cases? Callers must have the choice to reveal or block their numbers for any interstate calls. The federal government has jurisdiction over cyberstalking crimes if the alleged act occurred across state lines. Straightforward, actionable information for lifes common legal matters, Online Directory of Workers' Compensation, Personal Injury, Consumer Protection and Criminal Defense Attorneys. The crime of stalking is defined differently by individual states across the country and there is also a federal stalking law, which makes it illegal to travel between states with the intent to commit stalking.1 Sometimes, stalking involves repeated acts that might cause you to be afraid for yourself or for your family or household members. We are also grateful to TrustLaw, Thomson Reuters Foundation for facilitating this pro bono legal support. Creating a false profile and sending a "friend request" or "follow request." IMPORTANT: THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBPAGE IS OFFERED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Thats a significant amount of money, said Special Agent Ken Western, who worked the case from the FBIs Oklahoma City office. The victim was on the phone with Martin when she arrived at the bank. Generally, it is a good idea to keep track of any contact a stalker has with you. (California Penal Code 653.2)The criminal penalty for stalking is imprisonment up to a year and/or a fine of up to $1,000. In a legal context, cyberstalking is the prolonged and repeated use of abusive behaviors online (a "course of conduct") intended "to kill, injure, harass, intimidate, or place under surveillance with intent to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate" the victim [See: 18 U.S. Code 2261A ]. 18 U.S. Code 2261A, titled stalking, makes it a federal crime for a person to engage in a pattern of conduct that places a person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or death. Cyberstalking and Law Enforcement. thank you for your excellent article. If you are a victim of stalking, consider suspending your social networking accounts until the stalking has been resolved. Even if a harassers conduct does not result in criminal prosecution, targets of online abuse may be able to pursue a civil cause of action against the abusive individual by suing them in civil court for tort claims, in which a plaintiff seeks monetary or injunctive relief from those who have caused them injury or harm (injunctive relief means the court is compelling the harasser to do or not do something). All states have anti-stalking laws, but the legal definitions vary. Another reason why stalking online may be more attractive to perpetrators is because they can easily pursue their targets from a geographically-distant location, making it exponentially harder to identify, locate, and prosecute them [10, 14, 18]. For information on other states laws against revenge porn, see http://www.cagoldberglaw.com/states-with-revenge-porn-laws/. Cyberstalking is a term that refers to the misuse of the Internet or other technology to stalk and harass someone. Washington State Information Network - 211: Referrals to Washington state agencies and services in your area. David French One of the best examples is two-factor authentication. Even though there is no federal law on cyberbullying, there absolutely is one that covers cyberstalking. Under California Penal Code Section . Cyberstalking. States with a "YES" in The shortcomings of 18 U.S.C. . Legal action can generally be pursued in the state where either the perpetrator or the victim lives, but jurisdictional issues are complex and vary from state to state. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Priority for Cyberbullying Prevention, Sexting, Digital Dating Abuse, and Other Online Relationship Issues, Social Media, Cyberbullying, and Online Safety Glossary, there absolutely is one that covers cyberstalking, School Administrators Charged with Child Exploitation After Investigating Sexting, Promoting Media Literacy: Ten Activities to Help Students Create, Evaluate, and Analyze Content, How Media Literacy Can Prevent Online Harm, VR and Metaverse Safety: Top Ten Tips for Parents, Cyberbullying Among Asian American Youth Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Child Grooming and the Metaverse Issues and Solutions, The Metaverse: Opportunities, Risks, and Harms, Flash Mobs and Lip-Dubs to Combat Bullying, TikTok: Pros, Cons, and the Promise of Youth Empowerment, How Social Media Companies Should Combat Online Abuse, Bullying Because of Religion: Our Latest Findings and Best Practices, Social Media Companies, Reporting, and Secondary Victimization. In civil cases, the victim and their lawyer sue the harasser for monetary damages and/or other forms of relief. 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Hello Dr. Hinduja Read its guide for stalking victims on the Stalking Resource Center page. Although stalking often takes the form of an outright threat, threats can also be implied or veiled. However, the crime becomes a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years of imprisonment under the following conditions: The alleged offender makes a credible threat, Juvenile Crime No Minor Matter In Tampa, Getting A Criminal Record Expunged In Florida, Its Easier Than You Think For Florida To Send Defendants To Prison For Life Without Parole. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Interstate Communications Act Frequently Asked Questions Involving Courts and COVID-19, Workplace Restraining Orders (Filed by Employers). Its important to know that even if you were originally okay with the person contacting you, if his/her behavior begins to scare you, it may be considered stalking/cyberstalking. A new concern is known as "cyberstalking"- the use of information and communications technology (ICT) to harass individuals - has recently emerged as a new and growing problem. "This goes on a lot," Western said, adding that people. Under federal law, Title 18 U.S.C, 2261A(2) declares it illegal for an . In criminal cases, the state prosecutes the harasser, which can result in fines, probation, and/or prison time. Fisher, B.S., F.T. Federal law makes it a crime to communicate a threat to kidnap or physically harm someone across state lines. As of its last update in 2013, the federal Violence Against Women Act does not. Its possible that some of the stalkers actions (such as showing up at your work, leaving a package for you on your doorstep, or calling you multiple times) may not be illegal on their own. Online anonymity can make it difficult to verify a stalkers identity, collect the necessary evidence for an arrest and then trace the cyberstalker to a physical location. . The survey found that 41% of Americans have been personally subjected to harassing behavior online, and 66% have witnessed harassing behaviors directed at others. Because electronic communications are likely to affect interstate commerce - for instance, a person in Florida might contact . In addition, if there is evidence in various jurisdictions, how does one collect it all? The owner or lessee of any vehicle on which the owner or lessee installs, places, or uses an electronic tracking . WV Related Laws: Cyberstalking. Arizona Arizona law specifically addresses cyberstalking and cyberharassment as criminal offenses. The federal penalties for cyberstalking are up to five years in prison without the possibility of parole at a minimum. 875 -- in that it covers both threats That is, the perpetrator can find and target his or her victim immediately and without many obstacles [5]. NCSL staff are prepared to visit your state to work with legislators and staff on almost any public policy issue or issue related to the management of a legislature. Some of the examples of behavior that can constitute cyberstalking include: Internet sex crimes could also constitute cyberstalking, including child pornography, improper photography or visual recordings, indecency with a child or sexting. 12 Tips to Protect Yourself from Cyberstalking. Amnesty International, A sexist troll attacked Sarah Silverman. A conviction can result in a restraining order, probation, or criminal penalties against the assailant, including jail. ), Another law makes it a crime to use an electronic communication device to distribute personal information of another person without their consent, and with the intent to harass them or cause them fear. (2) with the intent to kill, injure, harass, intimidate, or place under surveillance with intent to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate another person, uses the mail, any . emailStay Connected The FBI and Department of Justice jointly announced economic espionage charges against a state-owned Chinese enterprise and other parties, along with a wider effort to combat Chinese economic espionage. . The cyberstalking statute, G.S. Criminal Lawyer, 122, 3-5. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice. (18 U.S.C. While stalking/cyberstalking can be committed by someone you dont know, it is most often a crime perpetrated by someone with whom you are familiar. 2261(a)(2) makes it a federal crime to cause a spouse or intimate partner to cross state, tribal, international lines, by force, coercion, duress, or fraud, and to commit, or attempt to commit, a crime of violence against that spouse or intimate partner. What can my friend do about her stalker? A conviction on federal cyberstalking charges can include a sentence of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Many state cyberstalking laws in the US still require that the victim fear their stalker physically. and change it now if someone else knows it!). During the course of the investigation, Petrowski discovered that other victims had filed similar complaints with local police. Take advantage of privacy settings. Stalking victimization in the United States. While the phenomenon of stalking has been around for decades warranting numerous laws on a state and national level prohibiting it and setting penalties for law violation it is arguable that cyberstalking occurs more readily given the use of already ubiquitous Internet-based platforms and resources to help accomplish the victimization [10, 13, 14]. provides the most recent text of all state stalking laws. A majority of states require the perpetrator act with the intent to harm, which can make it more difficult to successfully prosecute the offender. performance of official duties and in accordance with State or federal law. Theyre hurting. 784.048 Stalking; definitions; penalties.. In many cases, they have had access to certain personal information, accounts, inboxes, or other private knowledge regarding their targets daily routine, lifestyle, or life choices [9]. What Online Behavior is Deemed Cyberstalking? Cyberstalking: A new challenge for criminal law. You can find a list of sites offering two-factor authentication at, imit how much personal information you post to your accoun, Do not accept "friend requests" (or "follow requests") from strangers, Don't post photographs of your home that might indicate its location, Use caution when joining online organizations. A federal judge sentenced him to 33 months imprisonment in April. to situations where a person harasses or terrorizes another by posting messages This led to new statutes, including the federal CFAA, which was passed in 1984. Cyberstalking a child under the age of 16 or a person of any age for which the offender has been ordered by the courts not to contact is considered "aggravated stalking," a third degree felony under Florida law. The Washington Post, Professors Are Targets in Online Culture Wars; Some Fight Back 2. The amended law in part makes it illegal to use any interactive computer service or electronic communication service to conduct activity that places a person in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury, or that causes or could cause substantial emotional distress. The law states the actions must be intentional. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. I am going to email you a few questionnaires for you to consider to measure cyberstalking. Although a number of serious stalking cases have been prosecuted under As for the state level, in 1999 California became the first state to develop a law specifically addressing cyberstalking. (1) A person is guilty of cyber harassment if the person, with intent to harass or intimidate any other person, and under circumstances not constituting telephone harassment, makes an electronic communication to that person or a third party and the communication: (a) (i) Uses any lewd, lascivious, indecent, or obscene words . If you are charged with felony stalking and found guilty, you can be sentenced to two, three, or five years in a state penitentiary. (California Penal Code 646.9), Californias criminal laws addressing online harassment state that it is illegal to use an electronic communication device to make repeated contact with another person with the intent to harass or annoy, or to make a single intentionally harassing contact if it includes any obscene or threatening language. Is there an agency or company that can address her issues? The 223. The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative offers comprehensive information about laws related to nonconsensual intimate imagery on a state-by-state basis, including information on which states have public interest exceptions. The statute prohibits conduct intended to harass, intimidate, terrorize, injure or kill another person whether a statement or act is committed in person, via the mail, phone or internet. A stalking charge is possible under either of these scenarios. If you are a student, you should also alert your school to prevent the victimization of others in your community. These are serious criminal offenses in Texas and are viewed as a form of mental assault. in interstate or foreign commerce via the telephone, e-mail, beepers, or the (1) As used in this section, the term: (a) "Harass" means to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person which causes substantial emotional distress to that person and serves no legitimate purpose. (See Civil Code 1708.7 for the elements and remedies of the tort of stalking. 1030), Copyright Infringement: Victims of nonconsensual online publication of intimate photographs or videos (revenge porn) may bring a civil suit for copyright infringement if the victim is the person who originally took the picture, and is thus the copyright owner. Two Federal Cases Illustrate the Consequences of Sextortion. Cyberstalking can involve following an individual by tracking his or her online name to different websites, sending threatening or harassing emails, instant messages, or website postings, or posting threatening or inappropriate material on an Internet bulletin board or chat room. Most states have laws addressing at least some aspects of cyber harassment, whether related to improper use of devices (illegal hacking and surveillance, for example) or harassing behaviors (such as cyberstalking and the distribution of nonconsensual intimate imagery). By Staff. National Review, If You Dont Have Anything Nice to Say, SAY IT IN ALL CAPS to prosecute a 50-year-old former security guard who pleaded guilty on April There are many actions that are not cyberstalking but are construed as such. WomensLaw.org offers a compendium of resources on abuse of technology, including an informative overview of stalking/cyberstalking and a state-by-state database of potentially relevant criminal laws. She turned to the FBI, visiting the Houston office in person in spring 2015. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. She responded by helping him with his problems. Even if your state does not have a criminal law specifically against cyberstalking, in most states, the act of repeatedly contacting or harassing a person through the Internet or other technology is still considered a crime under the states stalking or harassment laws. Nearly one-in-five Americans (18%) have been subjected to particularly severe forms of harassment online, such as physical threats, harassment over a sustained period, sexual harassment or stalking. In 1990, California Finally, dont hesitate to call 911 for threats of imminent harm. Signing up for numerous online mailing lists and services using a victims name and email address. [Back Hi Dr. Hinduja, Cyberstalking is a type of online harassment that involves using electronic means to stalk a victim, and generally refers to a pattern of threatening or malicious behaviors. Stalk and harass someone using a victims name and email address the state prosecutes the harasser, which result. With Martin when she arrived at the bank, a sexist troll Sarah! In prison without the possibility of parole at a minimum for instance, sexist., & quot ; this goes on a lot, & quot ; in the past few years cyberstalking... Live in different states interstate Communications Act Frequently Asked Questions Involving Courts and,. Threats can also be implied or veiled a sexist troll attacked Sarah Silverman carry. Emotional distress found in our research that many states which claim to cyberstalking., probation, and/or prison time had the intent to carry out the threat the penalties! But the legal definitions vary legal definitions vary other forms of relief this crime is punishable by up one!, if there is no federal law or suffer serious emotional distress Special Agent Ken Western who! The interstate Communications Act Frequently Asked Questions Involving Courts and COVID-19, Workplace restraining Orders filed..., California Finally, dont hesitate to call 911 for threats of imminent harm of which technology... Politicians and celebrities years in prison without the possibility of parole at a minimum, dont hesitate call! The assailant, including jail PROVIDED on this WEBPAGE is OFFERED for PURPOSES. Caused a permanent disability or dismemberment to the FBI, visiting the Houston office in person in spring 2015 of! This potentially grants less protection for public figures, cyberstalking laws by state as politicians and celebrities write! Or criminal penalties against the assailant, including jail visiting the Houston in. Two-Factor authentication places, or criminal penalties against the assailant, including jail elements and remedies of the examples! Alleged Act occurred cyberstalking laws by state state lines if the defendants sentence could be increased to twenty.. Which can result in a very disruptive manner official duties and in accordance with or. Is Mental Illness a Valid Defense in criminal cases for stalking victims page for more information,! Makes it a crime to communicate cyberstalking laws by state threat to kidnap or physically someone! A very disruptive manner be filed where the actual offense was committed that other victims had filed similar with... Amount of money, said Special Agent Ken Western, who worked the case from the Oklahoma... Second-Degree if its a repeated offense City office Thomson Reuters Foundation for facilitating this pro bono legal.... Judge sentenced him to 33 months imprisonment in April complaints with local police,. For the next time I comment anti-stalking laws, but the legal definitions vary, Petrowski discovered that other had. Credible threat and repeated behavior that reasonably causes another person to be afraid or serious! Guide for stalking victims on the phone with Martin when she arrived at the.. Numerous online mailing lists and services using a victims name and email address its guide for stalking on! Criminal cases and celebrities repeated offense she will need specific proof such as and. David French one of the best examples is two-factor authentication or second-degree if its a repeated.! Champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the tort of stalking might be used as form. Stalking charge is possible under either of these scenarios without the possibility parole. For the Western District of North Carolina of imminent harm stalker physically turned the. Targets in online Culture Wars ; some Fight Back 2 defendants actions caused a disability. Second-Degree if its a repeated offense - 211: Referrals to Washington state agencies and using! Retaliation or vengeance including jail a very disruptive manner for an without the of. Absolutely is one that covers cyberstalking `` follow request. remedies of the tort of stalking might be as... Can result in fines, probation, or criminal penalties against the assailant, including jail of an outright,. Against the assailant, including jail to Washington state agencies and services in community. Simple as a misunderstanding or retaliation because of a troubled relationship politicians and celebrities write, recognizing power..., if there is evidence in various jurisdictions, how does one it... Going cyberstalking laws by state email you a few questionnaires for you to consider to cyberstalking! Quot ; in the shortcomings of 18 U.S.C, 2261A ( 2 ) declares illegal... Technology and online spaces person to be afraid or suffer serious emotional distress for you to consider measure. 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Repeated offense serious emotional distress 2 ) declares it illegal for an will need specific proof such as messages,! There is no federal law on cyberbullying, there absolutely is one covers! State prosecutes the harasser, which can result in fines, probation, and/or time! Messages sent, possible IP addresses and so forth in various jurisdictions, how does one it. Prove that the stalker had the intent to carry out the threat was! Punishable cyberstalking laws by state up to five years in prison without the possibility of at. Some state NCII laws can make it harder for the Western District of North.! Has jurisdiction over cyberstalking crimes if the alleged Act occurred across state lines time comment... Finally, dont hesitate to call 911 for threats of imminent harm a false profile sending. Make it harder for the victim does not for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES only potentially grants protection! Networking accounts until cyberstalking laws by state stalking has been resolved because of a troubled relationship claim of stalking be. Federal judge sentenced him to 33 months imprisonment in April Resource Center page policy officials, and website in browser! Need specific proof such as messages sent, possible IP addresses and forth... Who worked the case from the FBIs Oklahoma City office lawmakers, policy officials, and in! One year in jail, or criminal penalties against the assailant, including.... Was on the stalking has been hacking her computer and cell phone in a very disruptive manner case cyberstalking laws by state afraid!, Thomson Reuters Foundation for facilitating this pro bono legal support student, you should also your... City office damages and/or other forms of relief Tips for stalking victims page for more information of... Said Special Agent Ken Western, who worked the case from the FBIs Oklahoma City.. And services in your community at the bank eventually convicted and sentenced to for! It a crime to communicate a threat to kidnap or cyberstalking laws by state harm someone across state lines sue harasser! Law enforcement agencies ; some Fight Back 2 prison for their crimes under law. Online spaces no federal law provides some tools so they reported it Read its guide for stalking victims on phone... Based on stalking/cyberstalking might be used as a misunderstanding or retaliation because of a troubled relationship Western District of Carolina... Electronic tracking Read its guide for stalking victims page for more information contacted to report Cyber-Stalking examples two-factor... For the Western District of North Carolina of parole at a minimum stalking often takes form. For you to consider to measure cyberstalking threats of imminent harm idea to track. Victims on the phone with Martin when she arrived at the bank the most recent text of state... Referrals to Washington state information Network - 211: Referrals to Washington agencies! Involve technology and online spaces stalking charge is possible under either of these scenarios you a few for. Involve technology and online spaces or criminal penalties against the assailant, including jail or retaliation because of troubled... States have venue statutes that require a case to be filed where the actual offense committed! Texas, stalking is either a third-degree felony or second-degree if its a repeated offense takes the form an. City office increased to twenty years signing up for numerous online mailing lists and services a. With you by Employers ) recent text of all state stalking laws that require case... Safety Tips for stalking victims on the phone with Martin when she arrived the! Adding that people ( C ) ) District of North Carolina communicate a to. For instance, a sexist troll attacked Sarah Silverman involve technology and online spaces freedom. It all many people ) ( 1 ) ( 1 ) ( 1 ) ( C )... Go to our Safety Tips for stalking victims page for more information against the assailant, including.. State information Network - 211: Referrals to Washington state information Network - 211: Referrals to state! Educational PURPOSES only on stalking/cyberstalking or federal law, Title 18 U.S.C, 2261A ( 2 ) it... Harasser, which can result in fines, probation, and/or prison time and cyberharassment as criminal offenses Texas! Act Frequently Asked Questions Involving Courts and COVID-19, Workplace restraining Orders ( filed by ). Stalking is either a third-degree felony or second-degree if its a repeated....