Cyberstalking in California Can Mean Jail Time!

Cyberstalking in California Can Mean Jail Time
Did you know that pretending to be someone else in chat rooms and in emails could be considered cyberstalking? If you were spreading information that wasn’t true or had the intent to harm the individual you were impersonating, it could mean jail time.
Cyberstalking has been gaining more attention throughout the years, as it has become easier for people to intimidate and harass others, all within the comfort of their homes. They can engage in this type of activity, while at the same time remaining anonymous.
Cyberstalking Has Been Around for Years
In one of the first California cyberstalking cases that occurred over a decade ago, a former security guard was accused of impersonating a woman in chat rooms and online bulletin boards. He posted her telephone number and address along with messages that she fantasized about being raped. Supposedly, various men showed up at her home as a result. The former security guard ended up pleading guilty to one count of stalking and three counts of solicitation of sexual assault. He faced six years in prison.
Cyberstalking Penalties
The penalties associated with cyberstalking in California are dependent on the severity of the alleged crime. For example, if you are found guilty, you could be looking at jail time of less than one year or up to five years. The prosecution will review various factors when trying your case and they will work hard to build a strong case against you.