Florida Cyberstalking Attorney

Lawyer for Cyberstalking in Florida

Cyberstalking is a serious criminal offense under Florida law. The frequency in which the crime is alleged is growing as quickly as our dependency on the technologies used to commit the act. The internet provides a feeling of remaining anonymous which can cause someone to say something on-line which they would never say in person. The crime can including things like cyberbullying,masquerading as the victim on-line, texting sexually provocative information (sexting), and sexual harassment over the internet, cyberspace, through text messages, or other electronic communications.

If you have been accused of cyberstalking, contact an experienced attorney to discuss possible defenses to this serious criminal charge. At the Sammis Law Firm, we represent men and women charged with cyberstalking or aggravated cyberstalking throughtout the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough County, Polk County, Pinellas County, Manatee County and Pasco County, FL

Cyberstalking under Florida Law

"Cyberstalk" is a form of a criminal offense called stalking. Cyberstalking is defined under Florida law, Section 784.048,  as causing series of communications which include words, pictures, images, or language through the use of any electronic means such as e-mail, the internet, phone text messaging which is targeted as a specific person, which causes that person substantial emotional distress and serves no legitimate purpose.

Cyberstalking in Florida is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by 12 months in the county jail, and a $1,000.00 fine.

Aggravated Cyberstalking under Florida Law

Florida law provides that Aggravated Cyberstalking is when a credible threat is made with the intention of placing the person in reasonable fear of serious bodily injury or death for the person or the person's immediate family member, then the offense is third degree felony, punishable by five years in Florida State Prison. A "credible threat" is a threat against the life of the person or a threat to cause bodily injury to the person which is made with the intent to cause the person to reasonably fear for his or her safety.

Aggravated cyberstalking under Florida law can also be alleged if the defendant is subject to an injunction or retraining order protection against domestic violence, repeat violence, sexual violence, or dating violence, or after any "no contact" provision is imposed by the court (such as a bond condition), and maliciously, knowingly and willfully cyberstalks the person subject to the court order of protection.

Cyberstalking is also aggravated if it is directed at a person under the age of 16.

Defenses under Florida Law to the Criminal Offense of Cyberstalking

If you have been charged with cyberstalking or aggravated cyberstalking under Florida law, then contact an experienced Tampa attorney. Talk with an attorney about the best way to defend yourself against an accusation of cyberstalking in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, including Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Manatee County, Pasco County, or Polk County, FL. Call 813-250-0500 to discuss your case with an attorney today.

Secure Florida - Cyberstalking Secure Florida is an awareness and education group developed by the Florida Infrastructure Protection Center (FIPC), and the private sector. Provides legal definitions, cyberstalking statistics, tips on avoiding cyberstalking, and information on what you do if you are being cyber stalked.