What constitutes internet stalking in New Jersey?

New Jersey Statute 2C:12-10 offers a wide range of possible stalking offenses that all carry their own penalties. Under the statute: "A person is guilty of stalking, a crime of the fourth degree, if he purposefully or knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily injury to himself or a member of his immediate family or to fear the death of himself or a member of his immediate family." It is a third-degree crime to stalk someone in violation of a court order or while on parole.

Stalking has become a more complex crime to investigate now that so many people have access to a myriad of information through the Internet. Cyber stalking or Internet stalking is threatening behavior conducted against another person online. Internet stalking may involve threatening emails, chat harassment, bullying, or harassments through texts or hacking into someone's email or social networking account.

While New Jersey does not currently have an Internet-specific stalking law, the current law in place does include all forms of unwanted communication. Since there are no actual witnesses involving an Internet stalking case, it is common for individuals to be wrongfully charged and for misunderstanding to occur. Anyone facing stalking charges in New Jersey would be well-advised to seek legal guidance from a knowledgeable defense attorney.

The New Jersey criminal defense lawyers at the Ibrahim Law Group have experience in successfully handling our clients' stalking charges. If you have been charged with stalking or are facing other serious allegations, call our law offices at 201-781-7800. We strongly advise individuals to consult with us before discussing their case with the authorities.

Please contact the Ibrahim Law Group to arrange for a consultation at 201-781-7800.