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Have your driving priviledges been revoked?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.

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

Resisting an Unlawful Arrest in Michigan

Michigan Criminal Laws FAQs Resisting an Unlawful Arrest in MichiganThe question of whether you can legally resist an unlawful arrest in Michigan is complex, and the answer is generally no, with very limited exceptions. While the idea of defending oneself against an...

Criminal Law FAQs – Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm Less Than Murder (AWIGBH)

Michigan Criminal Laws FAQs Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm Less Than MurderAccording to Michigan State Law (Michigan Compiled Laws - MCL), Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm Less Than Murder (AWIGBH) is a serious felony offense defined in MCL...

Criminal Law FAQs – Operating a Vehicle with a High BAC

Michigan Criminal Laws FAQs Super Drunk (High Breath Alcohol Content)Operating a Vehicle with a High BAC (Super Drunk) - MCL 257.625(1)(c)FAQ 1: What BAC level qualifies as "High BAC" or "Super Drunk" in Michigan? Answer: In Michigan, operating a vehicle with a blood...

Criminal Law FAQs – Bench Warrant

Michigan Criminal Laws FAQs Bench WarrantsAccording to Michigan State Law (Michigan Compiled Laws - MCL), a Bench Warrant is a court order that directs law enforcement officers to arrest and bring a specific individual before the court. It's issued by a judge (from...

Ohio voters say yes to legal recreational cannabis

Recreational marijuana has been legalized in Ohio as voters overwhelmingly approved State Issue 2 on Tuesday. This groundbreaking decision now enables adults in Ohio to legally experience the advantages of marijuana for recreational purposes. “Marijuana is no longer a...

Smell of Marijuana is Not Enough to Search Your Vehicle or is it?

The Smell of Marijuana and the Court of Appeals Body camera footage is an invaluable resource for courts facing suppression motions, but it rarely serves as a stand-alone source of information about a warrantless search or seizure. Here, the trial court was hamstrung...

Commission Votes For Retroactive Sentencing

U.S. SENTENCING COMMISSION VOTES TO ALLOW RETROACTIVE SENTENCE REDUCTIONS AND ANNOUNCES ITS NEXT SET OF POLICY PRIORITIESVote Authorizes Judges to Reduce Sentences for Eligible Incarcerated Persons Beginning February 1, 2024 Should Guidelines Become...

THC Detection in Blood: Challenges and Implications

THC Detection in Blood: Challenges and Implications When it comes to enforcing drugged driving laws, police and employers face a unique challenge with marijuana. Unlike alcohol, which is metabolized and eliminated relatively quickly, THC, the psychoactive compound in...

Feds New Sentencing Guidelines for Past Cannabis Convictions

The federal U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC) has approved a revised amendment to sentencing guidelines, advising judges to adopt a more lenient approach towards prior marijuana possession offenses. Members of the commission voted to approve a range of amendments to...

THC Detection in Blood: A Comprehensive Review

THC Detection in Blood: A Comprehensive Review Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, can remain detectable in the blood for several days or even weeks after use. This is due to the fact that THC is highly fat-soluble, meaning that it...

It’s not hard to be accused of being a Menace in Michigan

“You are a menace, you’re talking louder than me, you don’t agree with me and now you're pointing at me with gun fingers. I feel threatened! I’m calling the police”. All over a minor disagreement - probably about paper or plastic. Police arrive and can only do what...

Skymint acquired out of receivership

Tropics LP, under a new entity called Skymint Acquisition Co., acquired the assets of Green Peak Industries, doing business as Skymint, for $109.4 million. Nuff saidPlease note that cannabis at the time of this post being published is still a controlled substance...

Trulieve seeks $143M federal refund for 280E taxes

Would enforcing payment and accepting money from a federally illegal business cause you to be caught up in RICO, CCE and conspiracy charges that would put you away for decades? For you yes - For the government a big NO.Multistate marijuana company Trulieve Cannabis...

Feds Clarify Doctor Prescribed Medical Cannabis Is No Excuse

The revised federal workplace drug testing guidelines, issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are intended to provide clarity. These guidelines emphasize that individuals who use...