Cyberstalking Criminal Defense Attorney

If you live in Texas and have been charged with stalking or harassing someone online, it’s crucial to enlist the legal guidance of a knowledgeable cyberstalking defense lawyer who is well-versed in local and federal statutes regarding computer crimes. Dallas criminal defense attorney Jeff King can effectively argue your case, and may be able to reduce charges or have the case dismissed entirely.

In 2001, Texas updated its penal code statutes to include online harassment, cyberstalking and forms of cyberbullying. Under state Penal Code 33.07, cyberstalking that includes threats of physical violence or harm can be punishable with a felony conviction. Texas cyberstalking laws address computer crimes in which the perpetrator uses the Internet or social networking platform to intimidate, threaten, defraud or try to harm another individual.

As evidenced by recent cases, Texas law enforcement officials take cyberstalking accusations very seriously and work diligently to prosecute suspects to the law’s full extent – whether a misdemeanor or felony charge.

What is Cyberstalking?

The harassment, intimidation or bullying of a person using electronic means of communication – including text messages, email, the Internet, chat rooms, or instant messages – is considered cyberstalking.

In many cases, the Internet affords cyberstalkers some level of anonymity, allowing them to pursue, threaten or bully their victims without fear of being identified. Cyberstalkers may know their victims intimately or be complete strangers.

Cyberstalking takes many forms, and may include:

Online sexual harassment
Posting threatening or intimidating emails or content online
Exploitation of minors
Identity theft
Posting false or damaging information online about a person
Emailing or “sexting” unwanted sexual content, pictures or video
Cyberbullying
Using web pages to post false and/or defamatory information about another
Using social media or chat rooms to harass, alarm, embarrass, or torment another
Using the Internet to psychologically torment a person
Pretending to be the victim, causing them substantial emotional distress
Willfully threatening or harassing another through electronic means of communication

Cyberstalking in Texas

Being accused of stalking, intimidating, threatening or harassing someone online is a serious allegation in Texas. Cyberstalking can result in state or federal charges, steep penalties, prison time in a federal penitentiary, and inclusion on a sex offender registry.

Given the gravity of such a conviction, it’s imperative to retain a skilled cyberstalking defense lawyer as soon as possible. Keep in mind that under federal cyberstalking statutes, suspects who use “mail, any interactive computer service, or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce to engage in a course of conduct that causes substantial emotional distress to [another] person” can face heavy fines and a prison sentence of up to five years.

Partnering with a skilled lawyer when first charged or approached by law enforcement can mean the difference between a case dismissal and a felony conviction. Never speak about allegations or your case until you’ve retained legal counsel.

Our practice engages a broad range of experts to gather evidence and tailor your defense for the best outcome possible. Possible defenses in cyberstalking cases include mistaken identity, false accusations, lack of evidence pointing to a “credible threat,” and the constitutional right to exercise one’s freedom of speech.

Do not let a simple mistake or single instance of poor judgment ruin your life. Call the Dallas law offices of Jeffery King for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Cyberstalking Laws

According to Texas penal code, cyberstalking may occur through various electronic means, including “communication initiated by electronic mail, instant message, network call, or facsimile machine and pager.”

A cyberstalking conviction in Texas can result in life-altering ramifications. Even if the crime is categorized as a misdemeanor, a conviction can negatively impact professional opportunities, your reputation, and your livelihood.

Cyberbullying cases have been playing out across the nation. As of 2016, the Department of Justice reports that nearly 90 people have been charged with federal crimes relating to cyberstalking, prompting some critics to criticize the government for federalizing disputes

Cyberstalking Defense Attorney

Texas attorney Jeffery King leverages 15 years of criminal defense experience, and has tried more than 1,000 cases. He has a keen understanding of changing cyber crime laws in Texas and can develop effective strategies that may lessen charges or prompt courts to dismiss the case.

If you are concerned about a cyberstalking charge, and would like to get the very best legal representation, we invite you to contact the Law Office of Jeff King for a no-charge consultation.

“Competent and Compassionate”

I found Jeff to be a competent and compassionate advocate. As a client, he was the “voice” that I needed him to be to achieve a good result. He allowed me to communicate my needs to him and then diligently went to work to attain them. I would recommend him without hesitation.

- ReneeFraud client

“I was given a fair and positive outcome.”

With the type circumstance I had, it was not a hard case nor one that required a court visit or in front of a Judge but it did take some research and many hours of information gathering. I was given to the point, fair and accurate information by Jeffery King and he stuck with me through the whole ordeal. This was not only vital but very personable and I appreciated that to the fullest. I felt comfortable and positive through the entire situation and was given a fair and positive outcome. I thank Jeff King and his other staff that were involved for all they did.

- StevenGovernment contractor

“Prepared, Aggressive & Passionate about the Defense”

As the father of a recent active duty Air Force client of Mr. King’s, and being intimately involved day to day with the case, I can say without hesitation nor mental reservation, Jeff King is a consummate professional. Jeff was not only prepared, aggressive, and passionate about the defense, he also made the time to explain in detail every facet of the trial as it progressed. Having an attorney of Jeff’s caliber in our corner bestowed a feeling of confidence to our family, which was a critical factor in our ability to manage the stressfulness inherent to such serious allegations. Jeff prepared the entire family for every scenario, good and bad, and for that we are forever grateful. Upon receipt of the not guilty verdict and celebrating the obvious joy we felt that this “created adventure” had now come to an end, also came the realization that not only had he won this case, and with it our son’s continued freedom and innocence, but we had made a friend of the highest regard. Our family cannot thank Mr. King enough for his excellent representation on behalf of our son, but also for the lofty amount of integrity and humility demonstrated during the most trying time of our lives. Much respect and Semper Fi.

- BrentMilitary Client’s Father

“Jeff is the best!”

I thought my life was over when I was accused of a horrible crime at a general court-martial. From the moment I met Jeff, he instilled confidence in my case and showed a real enthusiasm for what he does. Be warned: Jeff will put you to work! He prepares for battle and expects you to contribute. He is confident in court and I enjoyed watching the jury respond to him. In the end, I was found NOT GUILTY to all charges! I am so grateful that I hired Jeff to defend me.

- Military Law Client

“Jeff sets the standard.”

Jeff was amazing! He handled my case through the end of the Article 32 hearing, and set the basis for my acquittal. If it had been any other IO than the one it was, I am certain it would have been dismissed right then, as all the objections he made in the Article 32 were later upheld by the Military Judge, and they been upheld at the Article 32 hearing, it would have been dismissed on the spot. His knowledge, and preparation made all the difference in my case, and his relentless pursuit of the truth showed through. He will always be my first recommendation to anyone who needs legal help.

- SPC C, US Army

Cyberstalking Defense Attorney

Texas attorney Jeffery King leverages 15 years of criminal defense experience, and has tried more than 1,000 cases. He has a keen understanding of changing cyber crime laws in Texas and can develop effective strategies that may lessen charges or prompt courts to dismiss the case.

If you are concerned about a cyberstalking charge, and would like to get the very best legal representation, we invite you to contact the Law Office of Jeff King for a no-charge consultation.

Additional Resources:

Jeff King Law, Sharing Password Ends with Jail Time http://jeffkinglaw.com/sharing-password-ends-with-jail-time/
Cornell University Law School, 18 U.S. Code § 1030 – Fraud and related activity in connection with computers https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1030
FBI, Internet Fraud https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes/internet-fraud
U.S. Department of Justice, Prosecuting Computer Crimes https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/criminal-ccips/legacy/2015/01/14/ccmanual.pdf

Cyberstalking Criminal Defense Attorney

What is Cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking in Texas

Cyberstalking Laws

Cyberstalking Defense Attorney

Cyberstalking Defense Attorney

Additional Resources:

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