Understanding Michigan’s Cyberbullying Law (MCL 750.411x)

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Have your driving priviledges been revoked?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.

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

Traffic Laws FAQs – Cellphones

Traffic Laws FAQs – Cellphones

Michigan Traffic FAQs - Cellphones Know the laws before you make the call. Know the laws if you get pulled over. Know who to call if you need legal defense if a violation turns into a DUI or worse. Cell Phones Note: These are from the Traffic FAQs - For this subject...

Traffic Laws FAQs – Equipment & Lighting Violations

Traffic Laws FAQs – Equipment & Lighting Violations

Michigan Traffic FAQs - Equipment and Lighting Know the laws before you install extra equipment on your vehicle. Know the laws if you get pulled over. Know who to call if you need legal defense if a violation turns into a DUI or worse. Equipment & Lighting...

Traffic Laws FAQs – Tinted Windows

Traffic Laws FAQs – Tinted Windows

Michigan Traffic FAQs - Tinted WindowsTinted Windows Question: Can I have tinted windows on my vehicle? Answer: The law that covers window applications is MCL 257.709. The use of tinting is limited to the rear side windows, the rear window if the vehicle has outside...

You’re too stupid to store a gun properly

You’re too stupid to store a gun properly

The Biden administration once again defends a ban in federal court, arguing that people who use marijuana should be prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. They claim that this restriction is supported by historical precedent and that individuals who...

More Posts

The Intoxilyzer 9000 (part 2)

The Intoxilyzer 9000 (part 2)

The Intoxilyzer 9000 (part 2 of 2)Using it The Intoxilyzer is user-friendly and equipped with a built-in feature to alert officers of any potential issues. As a precautionary measure, officers are specifically advised to switch off their portable radios prior to...

read more
Our Kids are Dying of Drug Overdoses

Our Kids are Dying of Drug Overdoses

THE KIDS AREN’T ALRIGHT, THEY’RE DYING OF DRUG OVERDOSESFrom May 2022 to May 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an alarming 37 percent increase in American lives lost due to overdoses, totaling over 112,000 fatalities. This staggering surge...

read more
How DUI Charges Impact Your Child’s Future

How DUI Charges Impact Your Child’s Future

In Michigan driving is considered a privilege. with this privilege comes immense responsibility, especially when it comes to driving under the influence (DUI) as well as other responsibilities. The consequences of youth DUI extend far beyond the immediate legal...

read more
Rescheduling Marijuana Would Be a Threat to Public Health

Rescheduling Marijuana Would Be a Threat to Public Health

Kevin Sabet of Smart Approaches to Marijuana says policy makers need to learn from their mistakes with hemp when considering marijuana rescheduling. It’s rare for policymakers to get a preview of the consequences of pending policies, but the descheduling of...

read more
Meet MiChap

Meet MiChap

Climate and Health Adaptation ProgramYou must save yourself from yourself.Meet MICHAPOur Vision: Michigan's public health system fosters equitable health and wellbeing as it adapts to the current and future impacts of climate change. Our Mission: The Michigan Climate...

read more
Laws passed by Michigan lawmakers in 2023 will take effect

Laws passed by Michigan lawmakers in 2023 will take effect

Several new laws passed by Michigan lawmakers in 2023 will take effect on Tuesday, Feb 13, 2023Making use of the first combined Democratic majority in the state House, Senate, and governor's seat in decades, legislators have the numbers and have successfully approved...

read more
Maker of CBD products asks court to decide

Maker of CBD products asks court to decide

The Petitions of the Week column highlights a selection of cert petitions recently filed in the Supreme Court. A list of all petitions we’re watching is available here. Organized crime, from the mafia to small-time money laundering schemes, often evades criminal...

read more
Michael Komorn-Criminal Defense Attorney

About Your Attorney

Attorney Michael Komorn

Categories

Other Topics

Driving Under the Influence

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Michigan

Your Rights

Michigan Court of Appeals

Law Firm VIctories

Share This