Cyberstalking
With the advent of the internet, many new crimes have been introduced. Among them is cyberstalking. People are now more frequently using cell phones, internet, and other electronic devices to harass, threaten, and stalk others. With the popularity of myspace, facebook, and chatrooms, cyberstalking occurs at an unprecedented rate. Cyberstalking is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days of active jail time. There are also many forms of cyberstalking. Under NCGS 14-196.3(b)(1), one commits cyberstalking when he or she uses email or an electronic communication to threaten to inflict bodily harm to a person or that person’s family member or attempts to extort money or anything of value from that person. Under NCGS 14-196(b)(2), one commits cyberstalking by repeatedly communicating abusing, annoying , threatening, embarrassing, or terrifying messages to that person via email or electronic communications. Under NCGS 14-196.3(b)(3), a person is guilty of cyberstalking if he or she electronically communicates to another knowingly making a false statement concerning death, injury, illness, disfigurement, indecent conduct, or criminal conduct concerning the person communicated or that person’s family. The intention of annoying, abusing, threatening, embarrassing, or terrifying is also required.
For example, Carrie is a supermodel and has many fans all over the country. Timothy has a huge crush on her and constantly looks at her websites, myspace pages, and facebook pages. Pretty soon, Timothy starts to ask Carrie out on dates on facebook and myspace. Carrie is polite, and respectfully refuses Timothy’s advances. Timothy, however, does not take no for an answer. He begins to send messages to Carrie about 5 times a day professing his love for her. Finally, Carrie writes Timothy back and tells him that she absolutely cannot talk to him at all, and tells him that she wishes him well, but must break off all contact with him. Timothy is crushed. He begins to write angry emails to Carrie calling her names and begins to make accusations about her sex life. When Carrie replies one last time telling him to stop, Timothy sends her 15 harassing messages threatening physical harm to her if she does not start talking to him again. Fearful for her own safety, Carrie saves all of the messages and forwards them to the police. Timothy is quickly arrested for cyberstalking. Now, Timothy faces up to 60 days in jail for his conduct.