With social media being as popular as it is today, and with new social media websites popping up every few days, it can be quite easy for people to get a little carried away when it comes to sending and posting messages to other individuals.
However, the line between a friendly message and cyber stalking can be a thin one. Charges associated with cyber stalking are serious in the city of Savannah and the state of Georgia. If you have found that the messages that you have sent to a person or persons have been taken out of context or misconstrued, you should seek the counsel of a seasoned Savannah criminal defense lawyer.
In the state of Georgia, the term cyber world is very broadly interpreted, and includes crimes committed on computer networks, the internet, or devices used for communication such as a smart phone, the mail, the internet or social media sites. The term stalking refers to the act of placing an individual(s) under surveillance, following an individual(s), or contacting an individual(s) without their permission, with the intent of intimidation and harassment.
When it comes to cyber stalking crimes, there are currently two forms: Harassment and stalking. Harassment is the lesser offense, and involves psychologically tormenting or harassing somebody and his or her family, essentially inflicting emotional duress and pain. Harassment crosses the line to stalking when messages or contact sent by an individual becomes malicious, threatening or infers the threat of harm. Both of these crimes can be either misdemeanors or felonies.
Law enforcement now considers cyber crimes as very serious offenses, and those convicted of such crimes can expect to face punishments that include anything from probation to time in prison. To ensure that your rights are protected, it is important for you to speak with a knowledgeable attorney who is on your side, like Dennis O’Brien. Contact the O’Brien Law Firm PC today for a free consultation.
In the State of Georgia, any act of violence or threat to a member of one’s family who is living underneath the same roof can possibly lead to charges of domestic violence. Domestic violence is unique, in that these types of cases usually do not require much evidence in order for a police officer to make an arrest.
While most people think that a domestic violence charges usually involve a boyfriend-girlfriend or husband-wife situation, domestic violence cases in Georgia can include verbal abuse, dating violence, threats of violence, and neglect.
Being accused of domestic violence is a serious accusation, and one that can ultimately end in time spent in jail, loss of one’s job, and issues with child custody. It is because of these serious consequences that those who are accused of domestic violence need to contact an experienced Savannah criminal defense lawyer like Dennis O’Brien with O’Brien Law Firm PC, who can help save your character and public reputation.
Below, you will find a few definitions pertaining to domestic violence so that you will be privy to some terminology commonly associated with these serious charges.
Domestic Violence Terminology
Family Violence – This term refers to any felony offense or any simple assault, assault, simple battery, battery, criminal damage to property, criminal trespassing or unlawful restraint of a household member or family member.
Household or Family Member – Those who are considered household or family members can be past or present parents of the same child or children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, or anybody who is living or formerly lived in the same home together.
Family Violence Protection Order – An alleged victim will file this petition in a Protective Order Hearing. Commonly known as a restraining order, this petition is filed by an alleged victim with the Court. The person who files this petition feels that there is evidence to support the fact that domestic violence has happened in the past, and will most likely continue to happen in the future.