A 64-year-old junior ROTC leader at Seneca High School in Tabernacle, New Jersey was recently charged with cyber harassment for sending inappropriate messages to a female student. The JROTC leader, who worked at the school for less than 6 months, is no longer allowed on school property. Charges for cyber harassment are very serious in New Jersey and may lead to severe penalties for those convicted. If you or a loved one has been charged with cyber harassment in Burlington County or elsewhere in New Jersey, here’s what you need to know. You can also contact our law firm anytime at 609-832-3202 for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Since January 2014, cyber harassment has been a separate and distinct crime from harassment under New Jersey law (NJSA 2C:33-4.1). It is usually a fourth degree indictable offense, comparable to a felony in other states, and carries with it the right of the accused to a grand jury indictment and a trial by jury. However, if certain aggravating factors exist, cyber harassment can be charged as a third degree crime.
A person is guilty of third degree cyber harassment if—with the intent to harass—they threaten another person physically or threaten another person’s property through online communic
ation, including the use of social media. Cyber harassment also includes trying to cause another person emotional harm by sending them obscene materials online or using the internet or social media to threaten to commit a crime against another person.
Keep in mind that cyber harassment does not only include direct messages to an alleged victim, but it can also take the form of social media posts or comments. Some social media apps, like Snapchat, are known for deleting content within a short time frame, but evidence of cyber harassment—even on these types of apps—can be preserved in many ways.
If an individual commits the actions described above and they are 21 years of age or older and impersonate a minor while committing the cyber harassment, they can be charged with third degree cyber harassment.
Fourth degree cyber harassment is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months and a fine of up to $10,000. An individual charged with third degree cyber harassment—where certain aggravating factors exist—faces a term of imprisonment of 3 to 5 years and a fine of up to $15,000.
If the individual who committed the acts of cyber harassment is a minor under 16 years of age, then the court may order them to complete a class to reduce their tendency to commit cyber harassment and increase their awareness of the harm caused by cyber harassment.
If you are charged with cyber harassment in New Jersey, you have the right to inform law enforcement that you do not wish to answer their questions without a lawyer present. In order to obtain a conviction for cyber harassment, there are certain elements of the crime that the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Any statements that you make to law enforcement could be used by the prosecutor as evidence against you in court. For more information about cyber harassment charges in NJ. Contact our firm today at 609-832-3202. One of our experienced criminal lawyers will review your case and determine what defenses you may have available to you.
We have several convenient office locations to serve clients in Mount Holly, Bordentown, Cinnaminson, Evesham Township, Mount Laurel, Burlington, Gloucester, and Camden, NJ.
A 64-year-old junior ROTC leader at Seneca High School in Tabernacle, New Jersey was recently charged with cyber harassment for sending inappropriate messages to a female student. The JROTC leader, who worked at the school for less than 6 months, is no longer allowed on school property. Charges for cyber harassment […]
"William handled a matter for me and exceeded my expectations. He was excellent in all areas of the law and achieved an outstanding result. Best of all,he demonstrates honesty and integrity. I would highly recommend William and already have."
"I was so scared and nervous about my legal situation but Mr. Fay did an outstanding job with my case!!! I was so relieved with the outcome and he worked so hard for me! He was so calm and understanding and I’m so grateful for him. Thank you so very much for helping me! I am so grateful appreciative."
"William defended me in my marijuana + paraphernalia case, he had all charges dropped and expunged! Despite the fact I was long past conditional discharges/probation, etc. He has a sharp wit and a bright future ahead of him as an attorney. Thanks again Will!"
"Mr. Fay is a fantastic lawyer. He helped me during a very stressful time in my life. He was knowledgeable about my case and what my options were. He answered all my questions and was very reassuring. He was there waiting for me at the entrance on my court date and made me feel at ease. He worked with the prosecutor to reduce my charges. I got the best outcome I could have hoped for. I highly recommend Mr. Fay if you need a lawyer."
"I was arrested and summoned to court for possession of marijuana, even though I didn't have any on me. It was my first time getting in trouble and I was terrified and nervous. Mr. Fay came into court prepared and was extremely assuring. He made it very clear that he was going to fight for my case until the very end. He was extremely knowledgable about my case and the ways to resolve it. I would recommend Mr. Fay to anyone who has gotten into trouble."
"Mr. Fay is extremely caring and knowledgeable. He took the time to explain the entire process in a very clear manner and was a tremendous help during a stressful time. He was always available to take a phone call and really showed that he cared about me and my case. I highly recommend Mr. Fay as an attorney." "
"Great lawyer. Created a best possible outcome for my case."
"He did a fantastic job on my case, making my penalty much less than I thought it could possibly be. He clearly understands what he is doing and can explain everything in a way that anyone can understand. Any questions I had were answered very clearly and he listened to all small details of my case."
The intention to distribute or transport illegal drugs (controlled dangerous substances) on a grand scale, either nationwide or internationally, is drug trafficking. While possessing certain drugs in New Jersey is unlawful, possessing large quantities of illicit drugs may be evidence of an intent to sell illegal drugs. In other words, […]
You might mistake car burglary for a different crime, like theft. Burglary is a term most associated with house invasions but breaking into a car or a house is no different in the eyes of the law. The penalties are equally severe under New Jersey statute 2C:18-2. You could face […]
Deep Dive into Field Sobriety Tests for DWI in New Jersey What are Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST)? Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) are standardized tests law enforcement uses on the roads and other public places to test drivers for impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs. When are SFST’s […]
If you or someone you love has been charged with a criminal or DUI offense in New Jersey, finding the answers you need to make informed decisions is critical. Complete our contact form to request your free consultation or contact 609-832-3202
We are available 24/7 Nights and Weekends to Provide Free Consultations | Hablamos Español
