One internet crime that can quickly lead to an arrest is cyberstalking. Like stalking a person in real life, cyberstalking is when a person uses the internet to harass a person through email, on social media accounts and in other ways. Cyberstalking is a criminal offense that can lead to harsh penalties.
What’s scary to some people about cyberstalking is that it can be a threat from anyone. Even in cases where a person has never met the alleged stalker, they could believe that the individual is stalking them.
As someone who likes to follow people online, you need to know what constitutes cyberstalking. Usually, it’s only stalking when your advances or interactions are unwanted. For example, if you harass an individual on multiple platforms for several weeks, you could be accused of cyberstalking and cyberharassment.
Cyberstalking is, at its core, harassment. It invades the life of the victim and may make them feel as if they’re threatened or could be injured at any time. Ohio doesn’t have clear stalking or harassment laws regarding online spaces, but that may change, especially as cyber crimes become more common.
There is a difference between stalking someone and just interacting with them. There is also a difference between doing something unwanted once or twice and harassment. If you are accused of cyberstalking or cyberharassment, be prepared to defend yourself. There is a digital trail of evidence that could be used against you or in your defense, so it’s best to get an attorney on your side to help you as soon as you can.
