Stalking can certainly happen online, and it is often referred to as cyberstalking. It may involve social media use, text messages, direct messages and much more.
When many people think of stalking, they think of the more traditional offense of physically following someone. This can happen, and it may lead to criminal charges if a person begins showing up at another person’s house or place of business. But in the modern era, especially with the connectivity offered by social media, cyberstalking is very common.
Potential cyberstalking examples
To understand how cyberstalking can work, here are a few examples:
- Sending threatening messages through email, text messages or social media
- Harassing someone or constantly contacting them, especially if they have directly requested that the contact stop
- Sending unwanted messages that could be obscene or frightening
- Tracking what someone does online, including their internet use habits
Additionally, cyberstalking can be connected to more traditional forms of stalking. Someone may use a person’s social media posts or location data to determine where they are physically located in order to follow them, for example.
What defense options do you have?
It is important to understand what cyberstalking looks like, and it is a very serious offense. If you have been accused of this type of criminal activity, evidence may include records of text messages, direct messages and other online activity. It is important to consider all of your legal defense options, including the steps investigators can take to search your devices or otherwise gather the evidence they need in the case.
Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you determine how to proceed.