One of the most significant drawbacks to today’s digital age is that personal information is becoming much more accessible with online use. The increase in web use and the sharing of personal information has led to the proliferation of cybercrime.

Cybercrime comes in many forms and different states take varying approaches.

In Arizona, one of the most recent moves to criminalize certain online activity is the passage of House Bill 2549.

Under this bill, it is illegal in Arizona to terrify, intimidate, threaten, or harass an individual via electronic communication.

A Phoenix criminal defense attorney will be able to sit down with you and explain your options to you if you find yourself facing criminal charges related to cybercrime.

Arizona Revised Statutes

In addition to the HB 2549 mentioned above, those who are accused of cyberstalking can have charges brought against them through A.R.S. 13-2921.

This section identifies what the act of harassment and cyberstalking is. In Arizona, you can be charged with harassment and cyberstalking if you intentionally or knowingly harass another person anonymously or through contacts through verbal, electronic, mechanical, telegraphic, telephonic, or writing messages.

It follows that electronic communications that repeatedly intimidate, threaten, or harass an individual can constitute cyberstalking.

If you are accused and convicted of, you can face severe penalties, including jail time.

The Consequences of Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking is a serious offense in Arizona.

Those who are found guilty can be convicted of a class 1 misdemeanor.

A class 1 misdemeanor can lead to a $2,500 fine and six months in jail. To sustain a conviction of cyberstalking the plaintiff has the burden of proof.

In this case, it must be shown that the cyberstalking conduct was directed at a specific person and the conduct would cause a reasonable person to be seriously alarmed, annoyed, or harassed and that the conduct does indeed alarm, annoy, or harass the person.

Legal Representation for Cybercrime

It is always to your advantage to have strong legal counsel on your side.

Being convicted of a cyberstalking and having a misdemeanor on your record is serious and it can easily affect both your public and private life.

If you are looking for an honest Phoenix criminal defense attorney that will represent you and your interests, then contact the Tyler Allen Law Firm today.

Your attorney will be able to inform you of your legal rights and also strategize as to what the best approach is for your particular situation.

How Cyberstalking Can Get You Jail Time