Rockland County Student Cyberbullying Defense Lawyer
Cyberbullying is a serious issue in many schools, as well as one that has received increased awareness over the past few years. Being accused of cyberbullying is therefore serious and may result in criminal punishment.
Students facing a cyberbullying accusation should contact a Rockland County student cyberbullying defense lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney is familiar with how cyberbullying cases develop and what to do at every stage of the case. They are committed to defending your case and making sure all your rights are protected.
Basic Information on Cyberbullying
The term “cyberbullying” generally refers to any kind of bullying or harassment that takes place primarily online or via electronic communications. Potential cyberbullying often occurs in school environments, in addition to, or in place of, traditional physical bullying.
Cyberbullying may take place on many different virtual platforms, including websites, forums, social media sites, smartphones, and social media apps. Regardless of the medium the alleged bullying took place on, a student should speak to a Rockland County student cyberbullying defense lawyer when facing these charges.
Common Offenses in Rockland County
Cyberbullying has become a much-publicized issue in Rockland County high schools and universities. This can happen on any college campus including schools such as SUNY Purchase, St. Thomas Aquinas College, and Mount Saint Mary College. Students accused of cyberbullying in New York may be charged with one or more of the following offenses:
- Harassment
- Aggravated harassment
- Stalking
New York Penal Law §240.26 defines second-degree harassment as any course of conduct which alarms or seriously annoys another person and serves no legitimate purpose. In the context of cyberbullying, harassing acts may include repeatedly messaging another person or disparaging them online.
Aggravated harassment is a more serious form of harassment. Under New York Penal Law §240.30, an individual may face allegations of second-degree aggravated harassment if they use any electronic means of communication to communicate a physical threat to another person, their property, or any member of their household. Students may be charged with aggravated harassment if they have allegedly used e-mail or any other form of electronic communication to threaten another person, including a fellow student, faculty member, or another adult.
A student accused of cyberbullying may also be charged with varying degrees of stalking. New York Penal Law §120.45 defines the least serious stalking charge, fourth-degree stalking. This occurs when an individual intentionally causes mental or emotional harm to another person or causes them to reasonably fear for their physical safety. A Rockland County student cyberbullying defense lawyer could help students defend themselves against any of these charges.
Contact a Rockland County Cyberbullying Defense Attorney for Help
Students are increasingly facing the possibility of criminal charges as school districts and counties crackdown on alleged criminal behavior. As a result, if you or your child has been accused of cyberbullying, you should contact a Rockland County student cyberbullying defense lawyer to protect your future.
An attorney knows how serious cyberbullying charges can be and take all cyberbullying cases seriously. Their goal is to provide you with well-researched and comprehensive legal advice. When you need help, an attorney can be there. Call today to learn more.