Cyberbullying
is a severe public health issue that affects men, women, and children of all ages throughout the United States. For years, lawmakers have been attempting to find just the right solutions and determine appropriate punishments for offenders, but even now only a few states have actual legal consequences in place. However, more and more are putting together bills targeted at eliminating this national health threat, and
Michigan
has officially joined the ranks! In fact, March 2019 will finally see the recognition of
cyberbullying as a misdemeanor crime
thanks to Republican Rep. Pete Lucido and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder.
How Does The New Law Define Cyberbullying?
According to the new bill,
cyberbullying
is defined as “posting a message or statement in a public media forum about any other person.” However, the statement or message in question must be “intended to place a person in fear of bodily harm or death and expresses an intent to commit violence against the person” or “is posted with the intent to communicate a threat or with knowledge that it will be viewed as a threat.”
What Are The New Consequences?
Now that even the most basic forms of
cyberbullying
are considered
misdemeanors
, offenders will face serious consequences should they be found guilty.
Michigan’s
three-tiered system even allows for the severity punishment to suit the severity of the crime.
-
Tier One:
The lowest tier represents offenders who have committed only one
misdemeanor
act of
cyberbullying
. Punishments include “up to 93 days in jail and up to $500 in fines.”
-
Tier Two:
This tier represents those who have shown a “repeated pattern of harassment.” A tier two offense is considered a felony and carries a much steeper punishment of “up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.”
-
Tier Three:
This tier is the highest level a person charged with
cyberbullying
can face, and represents the most severe cases in which the actions of the offender have led to someone else’s unnecessary death.
Michigan
law mandates an offender of such a crime face “up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.”
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Accused?
If you are ever accused of or arrested for any crime whatsoever, including
cyberbullying
, your first step should always be to get in touch with reputable
criminal defense attorneys
who can help guide you through your legal proceedings, and ensure your best interests are preserved. If you’re not sure who to call, just know, our revered
attorneys
at
Harris Law
are always here for you. Call
231.347.4444
or fill out the free consultation form in the sidebar to schedule your free personal consultation.
