Cyberbullying is a crime under the Harassment statute that is charged when a person is accused of using a computer, phone, data network, or other electronic medium to harass someone. As technology becomes more and more widely available, Colorado lawmakers wanted to address issues related to communications online – thus, the Cyberbullying subsection of the Harassment statute was added. This crime can be easily charged to an adult or a juvenile. Let’s take a closer look at the Cyberbullying crime.
Larimer County Cyberbullying Lawyer: Definition of Cyberbullying Harassment in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Cyberbullying Harassment – C.R.S. 18-9-111(1)(e) – is:
(e) Directly or indirectly initiates communication with a person or directs language toward another person, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, telephone network, data network, text message, instant message, computer, computer network, computer system, or other interactive electronic medium in a manner intended to harass or threaten bodily injury or property damage, or makes any comment, request, suggestion, or proposal by telephone, computer, computer network, computer system, or other interactive electronic medium that is obscene.
The important aspects of this criminal charge are:
- Communicating by telephone, telephone network, data network, text message, instant message, computer, computer network, computer system or other electronic medium;
- The intent behind the communication is to harass, threaten bodily injury or property damage, or make obscene comments.
Sentence for Cyberbullying Harassment in Loveland and Estes Park
In Fort Collins, Loveland and Estes Park, Cyberbullying Harassment is a class 3 misdemeanor. This level misdemeanor is punishable by up to 6 months in the Larimer County Jail and up to $750 in fines. If the Cyberbullying is related to someone’s actual or perceived race, religion, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, then the charge becomes a class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by 6 to 18 months in jail, and up to $5,000 in fines.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Cyberbullying Harassment, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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