Southaven, MS Cyberstalking Lawyer
With more technological advancements in our lives, we’re seeing more laws being written to deal with computer-based crimes. At the Law Office of Patrick Stegall, we take computer crimes very seriously. Even though these events may happen in a virtual world, the consequences are very real.
Identity theft is a common and very serious Mississippi computer crime. This can include fraud by mail or other means of electronic communication, fraudulent use of social security number, credit cards, and debit cards, and obtaining personal identity information of another without permission.
Identity theft in Mississippi is a felony punishable up to 15 years and a fine up to $10,000. If the amount is less than $250 then the charge is a misdemeanor punishable up to 6 months and $1,000 fine.
Other Mississippi electronic crimes include computer fraud, offenses against computer users and equipment, cyberstalking, posting messages for the purpose of causing injury, and online impersonation.
Cyberstalking is a growing, complex crime that encompasses many different elements. It can include threatening bodily harm against a person or their family, extorting money, repeated electronic communication for the purpose of threatening or harassing a person, making a false statement to someone regarding death or injury to a member of that person’s family, or even knowingly permitting your electronic device to be used by someone else for one of these reasons.
As a Mississippi criminal defense lawyer, I understand the seriousness of these charges. I also understand that the State must not only bring the evidence forward (which usually must be obtained from electronic sources) but must also prove the intent of the person accused. This isn’t always easy. For instance, cyberstalking cases are usually between people who know each other well, particularly people who have dated or are family members. A lot of time you’re dealing with hurt feeling and someone wanting to “get even” by pressing charges. But just because someone’s feelings have been hurt doesn’t mean a crime has been committed.
If you are facing a computer-based crime in Southaven, Horn Lake, Olive Branch, or other parts of North Mississippi, contact Attorney Patrick Stegall today. Together we can review the evidence to see what kind of case the state has, and then begin working toward the best resolution.
Click here to read Mississippi Criminal Law Articles on Computer Crimes and Identity Theft
