Cyber harassment in New Jersey is defined under the New Jersey Statutes, specifically N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4.1. Cyber harassment occurs when a person contacts another person through an online platform to harass them. This can happen through social media websites, phone calls, text messages, etc.
If somebody harasses you over the Internet, you can take strict action against the person. Cyber harassment is illegal in New Jersey, and the perpetrator may have to pay fines and even go to jail. If you believe you have a cyber harassment case, it is important to talk to an expert from BRUCE LAW, LLC. Read this blog to understand your legal rights.
Cyber harassment laws in New Jersey
In simple terms, cyber harassment is considered a fourth-degree crime in New Jersey, where a party harasses another through electronic communications. This can include threats to inflict injury or physical harm, threatening to commit any crime against a person or their property, and sending indecent material with the intent to cause emotional harm.
Cyber harassment carries a fine of up to $10,000, and the perpetrator can be sent to prison for up to 18 months. In case the perpetrator is over the age of 21 and pretends to be a minor to harass another, it is then considered to be a third-degree crime. The person can go to jail for three to five years and may have to pay a fine of up to $15,000.
Minors under the age of 16 who are involved in cyber-harassment are required to participate in educational programs alongside a parent or guardian. These programs are targeted towards reducing these criminal tendencies in children.
How can cyber harassment in New Jersey be reported?
In New Jersey, victims of cyber harassment have various ways to report the crime. The easiest way is to report the incident to law enforcement. However, to do that, you must take all evidence and documents with you to support your claims. This can include screenshots of messages, any pictures sent by the person, relevant URLs, etc.
Once a report has been filed, law enforcement carries out a structured investigation procedure. At first, the officers gather as much evidence from the victim as possible. They may request online communications, proof of identity theft, or other materials relevant to the harassment.
After that, investigators determine whether the conducted activity meets the criteria of cyber harassment under New Jersey’s cyber harassment laws, specifically under N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4.1. If the investigation results in sufficient evidence, the law enforcement officers press charges against the perpetrator.
Tips for individuals to protect themselves online
Here are some tips that you can employ to protect yourself online:
1. Set strong passwords.
For better privacy, it is recommended that you choose a long and unique password for your social media accounts. Individuals should set a 12-character long password that is a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Moreover, you should regularly update your passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
2. Make sure your software and browsers are up to date.
Keeping software, browsers, and plug-ins updated is key to avoiding cybercriminals. With regular updates come additional layers of security that protect you against the latest threats, such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.
3. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi.
While you may feel happy to be using free Internet, public Wi-Fi can allow cybercriminals easy access to your phone. You should avoid doing online transactions or logging into social media accounts when connected to an unsecured Wi-Fi.
Don’t be a victim!
Nobody should tolerate cyber harassment silently and not take any action. Just because it is happening online and not in real life does not make it any less serious. Hire an attorney in New Jersey today!
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
