Cyberbullying has become a serious issue throughout Maryland in recent years. Many people think of it as nothing more than rude messages and online arguments, but the truth is that some behavior on the internet can lead to criminal charges. Maryland has one of the strongest cyberbullying laws in the country, and people accused of these offenses can face harsh penalties if they are not careful.
If you or someone you know is involved in a cyberbullying investigation as a defendant, it helps to understand when the state can file charges and how you can protect your rights going forward.
Grace’s Law: Maryland’s Main Cyberbullying Statute
Maryland passed Grace’s Law in 2013 after a high-profile cyberbullying case involving a young girl. The law was expanded in 2019, and the current version is known as Grace’s Law 2.0. This statute makes it a crime to use electronic communication to seriously harm or harass another person.
Under Grace’s Law, it is illegal to use things like texts, emails, websites, and social media to intentionally cause serious emotional distress to a minor. The updated version of the law also applies to adults in some situations. This means harmful behavior on the internet does not have to involve a child for the state to take action. The law focuses on repeated, malicious behavior that is intended to harm another person, regardless of their age.
Some examples of conduct that can violate Grace’s Law include:
- Posting harmful or abusive messages with the intent to emotionally harm someone
- Creating fake profiles that humiliate or harass a victim
- Sharing private information to shame or threaten a person
- Encouraging others to target someone online
The law does not cover ordinary arguments or isolated comments. It is aimed at harmful conduct that crosses the line into harassment and emotional abuse.
Other Maryland Crimes That Can Apply to Cyberbullying
Grace’s Law is not the only statute that can apply to harmful online behavior. Several other Maryland laws, including some based on sexual offenses, can come into play depending on how serious the conduct is and what the accused person is alleged to have done.
For example, online threats can fall under Maryland’s separate laws for harassment and stalking. These laws apply when someone repeatedly contacts or follows another person in a way that creates fear or intimidation. Cyberbullying conduct can also lead to charges for misuse of electronic communication or the distribution of private images.
In some cases, the police may use multiple statutes to charge a single person. This often happens when the alleged behavior is severe and/or repeated.
Penalties for Cyberbullying in Maryland
The penalties under Grace’s Law depend on the facts of the situation, but the consequences are often significant. A conviction can result in both jail time and substantial fines, to name just a couple of examples. The penalties may increase as well when the conduct involves a minor or if you have a prior criminal record.
In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction can also create serious long-term collateral consequences. For instance, someone with a cyberbullying conviction may face issues with employment and finding housing. These consequences can continue long after the penalties imposed by the court have ended.
Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Cyberbullying becomes a crime in Maryland when it meets the standards of Grace’s Law or other related statutes. These laws are strict, and a conviction can affect your life in ways you may not expect. If you are under investigation or have already been charged, it is important to get legal help quickly.
Reach out to Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation. An attorney can work to help you work toward the best possible outcome under state law.
For more information, contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, and Waldorf.
We proudly serve Prince George’s County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Charles County and the surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Lanham
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste 201 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 262-7005
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Frederick
25 E Patrick St #200 Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 381-1993
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Rockville
11140 Rockville Pike 550-J Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 364-3195
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd, Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 857-4771