When someone hears about a teenager being bullied online, the usual thought process goes something like this:
“Oh wow, how awful! I hope the teen has support around him or her to deal with these bullies, and that the parents are aware of how they can prevent this from happening in the future. I hope whoever is doing the bullying is caught and properly punished so they can’t harm anyone else with their hateful words. Technology makes modern parenting so much more complex than in previous generations. It’s hard to spot the bullies and stop the abuse because it happens on phones and computers, which are mostly kept private. My heart goes out to the victim…”
But in the case of one San Dimas middle school student, who received death threats online, this thought-process may not apply. According to a CBS News article published on Wednesday, the student allegedly posted the online threats herself, police say. She was detained when a source said she had posted the threats. No charges have been brought, but she has been suspended from school.
“Maybe they just want attention,” posited one mom, Yolanda Gutierrez, whose child attends San Dimas middle school—“they probably don’t get the attention at home, and they’re trying to get it through a different way.”
Whatever her reasoning behind making these threats, there are some legal issues that are important to be aware of in these types of situations.
Is lying online considered internet fraud?
In some situations, yes. It looks like the police aren’t going to press any charges in this instance—maybe they think that this teen is troubled enough without adding legal problems into the mix. Also since no one was actually hurt, and no financial damage was done, there’s no reason to prosecute. Teens (and everyone) should know that online threats are no joke, though, and if they do lead to loss of life or any damages, there could be major consequences—prison, fines, and often both. Online bullying (called cyberbullying) and harassment are serious offenses that the state of California take very seriously.
What is cyberbullying, exactly?
Cyberbullying when one child or teen harasses, humiliates, embarrasses, or otherwise attacks another child or teen online. It can result in a misdemeanor charge, or if the child is young enough, it will be made a juvenile delinquency charge. The child or teen often looses his or her ISP or IM accounts because cyberbullying is a terms of service violation. If identity theft or password theft has occurred, it may result in a very serious charge brought on because of both federal and state anti-hacking laws.
Internet crime and the law
If you’re being charged with an internet crime, or if you’re the victim of one, don’t hesitate to get the legal counsel and support you need right away. Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm, Southern California’s top criminal defense attorney, will give you the advice and representation you need during any internet crime case.
If you’re being charged with an internet crime, he will do everything in his power to defend you and either prove your innocence or secure the lightest possible sentence.
If you’re a victim of internet crime, he will counsel you on the best legal approach, and work hard to unequivocally prove in court who did it and why they should be punished according to California’s laws
Contact Us
Call 714-760-4088, email dchambers@clfca.com, or send us a message on this website to schedule a free initial consultation today. Chambers Law Firm has six Southern California locations to serve you, so there’s a good chance one of them is in your neighborhood. Get in touch today!
