Is cyberstalking a crime in Massachusetts?

Stalking is a felony that is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for up to five years or by a fine of not more than $1000, or imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than two and one-half years or both.

What is considered harassment in the state of Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, a criminal harassment charge may arise from a variety of circumstances. Generally, criminal harassment entails intentionally targeting someone else with behavior that is meant to alarm, annoy, torment or terrorize them. Not all petty annoyances constitute harassment.

What is Cyber law harassment?

Cyber Harassment is defined as a repeated, unsolicited, hostile behaviour by a person through cyberspace with a intent to terrify, intimidate, humiliate, threaten, harass or stalk someone. Any harassment caused through electronic media is considered to have a similar impact as traditional offence of harassment.

What qualifies as harassment online?

California’s criminal laws addressing online harassment state that it is illegal to use an electronic communication device to make repeated contact with another person with the intent to harass or annoy, or to make a single intentionally harassing contact if it includes any obscene or threatening language.

Is cyberstalking a federal crime?

Cyberstalking is a crime under federal and state laws. The penalties that can be imposed for a conviction range from up to 1 year in jail to life imprisonment, depending on the jurisdiction the offense falls under and the nature of the offense.

What is criminal stalking in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, “stalking ” is a specific criminal offense found in the penal code. Stalking refers to a clear, repetitive pattern of intentional unwanted, harassing, or threatening behavior directed toward another person that causes fear of personal safety or that of immediate family members.

How do I prove harassment in Massachusetts?

The Commonwealth must show:

  1. you engaged in a knowing pattern of conduct or speech, or series of acts, on at least 3 separate occasions;
  2. you intended to target the victim with the harassing conduct or speech, or series of acts, on each occasion;

How do I file harassment charges in Massachusetts?

To get a Harassment Prevention Order, file a Complaint for Protection from Harassment in any District Court, Boston Municipal Court, Juvenile Court, or Superior Court that covers the area where you live. See the the Trial Court’s website for the Complaint form, Affidavit form, and Instructions.

Does the FBI investigate cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking and sextortion are serious crimes that are investigated and prosecuted, and victims’ identities can be shielded from the public. Anyone who has been the victim of cyberstalking or sextortion should contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL FBI (225-5324).