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Have your driving priviledges been revoked?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

No Results Found

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

More Posts

Detroit police make arrests at marijuana dispensary

Detroit police make arrests at marijuana dispensary

The Detroit police raided and made arrests at marijuana dispensary in an article in the Detroit Free Press from July  14, 2015. Detroit police arrested two people and confiscated two firearms and drugs during a raid on a marijuana dispensary Tuesday afternoon. Police...

read more
Michigan Medical Marihuana Patient Bill of Rights

Michigan Medical Marihuana Patient Bill of Rights

On November 8th, 2008, by a majority of 63 percent, the citizens of the State of Michigan voted into law the constitutional initiative, Initiated Law 1 of 2008, ratified into law December 4, 2008, herein referred to as the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, MCL 333.26421...

read more
Reform Today’s Forfeiture Laws

Reform Today’s Forfeiture Laws

Everyday, I get calls to my office from medical marijuana patients and caregivers who have been raided or pulled over by police. Often times, these individuals are not arrested, and little if any paperwork is left behind by the various Narcotics Enforcement Teams....

read more
KOMORN LAW NEWSLETTER ISSUE #1 May 2015

KOMORN LAW NEWSLETTER ISSUE #1 May 2015

The Michigan Legal Advisor News Letters. Read the current newsletter from Michigan's #1 Medical Marijuana Defense Attorney Michael Komorn.  KOMORN LAW NEWSLETTER ISSUE #1 May 2015     Michael Komorn is recognized as a leading expert on the Michigan Medical...

read more
Jury Selection In Marihuana Cases

Jury Selection In Marihuana Cases

A jury trial is fundamental to our democratic system of government. Every American citizen should embrace this responsibility by participating, and ensure justice prevails. by Michael Komorn I just picked a jury in a marihuana case, there were several perspective...

read more
Planet Green Trees Radio Episode 149-MSC People v. Koon

Planet Green Trees Radio Episode 149-MSC People v. Koon

The best resource for everything related to Michigan medical marijuana with your host Attorney Michael Komorn. Live every Thursday evening from 8 -10 pm eastern time. By Michael Komorn The Michigan Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion making a finding that...

read more
Polygraphs Proven Unreliable, Used for Police Intimidation

Polygraphs Proven Unreliable, Used for Police Intimidation

Polygraphs are widely recognized as unreliable yet police still use them to elicit confessions. By Michael Komorn Many states don’t allow polygraph test to be admitted in court because they are unreliable. Their lack of reliability is widely recognized by 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