Understanding Michigan’s Cyberbullying Law (MCL 750.411x)

KOMORN LAW

STATE and FEDERAL
Aggressive Legal Defense
All Criminal Allegations / DUI / Drugs
Since 1993

Understanding Michigan’s Cyberbullying Law

With the ever-expanding digital landscape, cyberbullying has become a harsh reality for many. Michigan, recognizing its seriousness, has established specific laws to address this issue.

Here’s some things you need to know

What does the law say?

MCL 750.411x defines cyberbullying as posting a message in a public online forum about someone with the intent to threaten them with violence. This means simply posting something mean online doesn’t qualify as cyberbullying under this law.

However, if the post expresses a clear intention to harm the person, putting them in fear of bodily injury or death, it might be considered cyberbullying.

Definition

(6) As used in this section:

(a) “Cyberbully” includes posting a message or statement in a public media forum about any other person if both of the following apply:

(i) The message or statement is intended to place a person in fear of bodily harm or death and expresses an intent to commit violence against the person.

(ii) The message or statement is posted with the intent to communicate a threat or with knowledge that it will be viewed as a threat.

(b) “Pattern of harassing or intimidating behavior” means a series of 2 or more separate noncontinuous acts of harassing or intimidating behavior.

(c) “Public media forum” means the internet or any other medium designed or intended to be used to convey information to other individuals, regardless of whether a membership or password is required to view the information.

What are the penalties?

A first offense is punishable as a misdemeanor with up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. If the offender has a prior cyberbullying conviction, the penalties increase to a maximum of 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Remember, these are just the legal consequences; cyberbullying can also have lasting social and emotional repercussions.

Have your rights been violated?
Have your driving priviledges been revoked?
Has your professional license been suspended?
Second Amendment rights taken away?
Have you been charged with a crime?

Call our office to see if we can help
Komorn Law 248-357-2550

What can you do if you’re cyberbullied?

If you encounter cyberbullying, don’t engage. Report the incident to the platform where it occurred and keep evidence like screenshots. Consider talking to a trusted adult or seeking help from organizations like Cyberbullying Research Center or StopBullying.gov. Remember, you’re not alone.

Read the details of the law here

Staying safe online:

Think before you post: Consider the potential impact of your words before hitting “send.”
Respect others: Treat everyone online with the same respect you’d show in person.
Protect your privacy: Be mindful of what personal information you share online.
Report cyberbullying: Don’t be silent; report incidents to the platform and seek help if needed.

MCL 750.411x serves as a safeguard against online threats, but remember, online safety is a shared responsibility. By understanding the law, respecting others, and reporting harmful behavior, we can create a more positive and inclusive digital space for everyone.

DUI for Alcohol or Marijuana or Prescription Drugs - Fight it

Related Articles

Michigan’s public employees are protected by government immunity for bad decisions

Sorry...Not SorryMichigan Governmental Immunity Laws Michigan’s governmental immunity laws provide legal protection to government agencies and their employees in negligence lawsuits. Here are the key points:Governmental Agency Immunity: A governmental agency is immune...

Squatters in Michigan

SquattersSquatting, in one definition is the unauthorized occupation of a property, can be a frustrating ordeal for property owners in Michigan. Understanding the relevant laws and procedures is crucial for regaining possession of your property.Squatting vs. Adverse...

Michigan Workers Right to Protest – Can They Force a Change in Business Strategy?

Michigan Workers and the Right to Protest: Can They Force a Change in Business Strategy?The ever-evolving economic landscape can create friction between Michigan workers and their employers. Workers may find themselves at odds with company strategies or investments,...

Can I be arrested for DUI riding my bike high in Michigan?

Recreational Cannabis is "legal" in Michigan.Can I be arrested for riding my bike high in Michigan?First... What is the definition of a bicycle? MCL 257.4 defines a “bicycle” as: “…a device propelled by human power upon which a person may ride, having either 2 or 3...

MI Lawyer Weekly – Michigan’s Go To Lawyers for Cannabis Law

Please join us in congratulating our inaugural Michigan’s Go To Lawyer for cannabis law. Michael Komorn, Komorn Law, Farmington HillsMichigan Lawyers Weekly is pleased to announce the inaugural “Go To Lawyers” for cannabis law. Now in its fifth year, the “Go To...

Chinese-funded marijuana farms springing up across the U.S.

Inside the Chinese-funded and staffed marijuana farms springing up across the U.S.During a farm inspection, New Mexico state special agents discovered an excessive number of cannabis plants in violation of state laws. Subsequent visits revealed dozens of underfed and...

AGs – Ex DEA Leaders for Push Public Hearing On Marijuana Rescheduling

State AGs And Former DEA Leaders Push Agency To Hold Public Hearing On Marijuana Rescheduling ProposalIn a filing with the federal government ahead of a key deadline this week, a group of former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) leaders is asking the agency to...

I got a DUI while driving my dad’s boat – Will they take it?

I was out driving my dad's boat on the lake and I got caught drinking. Can they take the boat away from my dad who was not with me?Happy Father's Day - DadNo, in most cases, they likely won't take your dad's boat away for you getting a DUI while driving it. They Could...

Seattle settles case involving – the rights of nature

The Rights of NatureSeattle settled a lawsuit brought by the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe on behalf of salmon harmed by dams on the Skagit River. This is one of the first "rights of nature" cases in the US, and the tribe argued that the lack of fish passage measures violated...

NY judge fines unlicensed cannabis shops $15 million

It's their corner now“This punishment should serve as a clear warning for all unlicensed cannabis stores in the state: we will enforce the law and shut down your operations,” state Attorney General Letitia James saidThe owner of seven unlicensed cannabis shops in New...

When Cannabis Businesses Are No Longer Subject to IRS 280E

IRS 280E and Cannabis BusinessesWhat is IRS Section 280E? Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code restricts businesses from deducting typical business expenses from their gross income related to the distribution of Schedule I or II substances per the Controlled...

Vehicle Forfeiture in Canada – The Process of Taking

Thank You... and have a nice day eh!Disclaimer: We are not Attorneys in Canada. This is an article of information obtained from various sources and presented here. We can only assume they are accurate. If you ever find a reason to go to Canada and need a lawyer...we...

Boating in Michigan on Alcohol and Drugs – It’s Illegal

If it's got a motor, it's a BUIWe got lakes, we got boats, we got alcohol, we got cannabis all the fun you can possibly find on a holiday weekend in the summer. Just don't combine them all or you'll be calling us or your cousin Vinny. Operating a Boat Under the...

Alcohol, Drugs, Kayaking – It could be a problem

Can I drink alcohol and smoke cannabis if I'm canoeing or kayaking or tubing or paddleboarding or just floating around?While Michigan law doesn't explicitly forbid consuming alcohol on non-motorized vessels like canoes or kayaks, it's strongly discouraged for safety...