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:
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Have your driving priviledges been revoked?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.
Related Articles
Michigan Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Cases – Home Invasion
Case Summary In People v Berry, the defendant co‑owned a home with his former partner. After moving out and negotiating a buyout, he re‑entered the home with another individual before the agreement was finalized. Both were charged with first‑degree home invasion. The...
Cannabis Regulators Association-Briefing on Marijuana Schedule Change
Overview of the President’s December 18th Executive Order and the Implications When Marijuana is Rescheduled to Schedule III under the U.S. Controlled Substances ActTOP-LINE SUMMARY The President signed an Executive Order on December 18, 2025, ordering his...
Trump’s Marijuana Reclassification 2025
Donald Trump’s Actions On December 18, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This marks the most significant federal...
Michigan Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Cases – Felon in Possession
Case Summary In People v Hughes, the defendant challenged Michigan’s felon‑in‑possession statute on Second Amendment grounds. He argued the law was unconstitutional both on its face and as applied to nonviolent offenders. The Court of Appeals rejected both...
More Posts
MI Supreme Court Declines to Intervene in Public Records Dispute
Michigan Supreme Court Declines to Intervene in Public Records DisputeTeachers Union and School District at Odds Over Data AccessThe Michigan Supreme Court recently declined to hear a case regarding whether public school teachers' class materials are subject to the...
Felony Firearm Possession in Michigan
Felony Firearm Possession in Michigan.In Michigan, the laws surrounding firearms are strict, especially when it comes to felony firearm possession. If you’re charged with a felony and found to be in possession of a firearm during the crime, the penalties can be...
Do the passengers in your vehicle have 4th Amendment Rights?
Do Passengers in your vehicle have 4th Amendment Rights against Search and Seizure?Passengers in a vehicle are afforded Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, though the scope of these rights varies based on the specific circumstances...
Probable Cause v Reasonable Suspicion
What's the difference between probable cause and reasonable suspicion?Definition of Probable Cause Probable cause refers to the belief held by a reasonable person that a crime is currently being committed, has already been committed, or is likely to be committed in...
Are there exceptions that justify warrantless searches?
Exceptions to your 4th Amendment Rights against Search and Seizure (more to come).The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution safeguards citizens by prohibiting unreasonable searches and seizures and generally mandates the necessity of a warrant for such intrusions....
Warrantless Searches in Michigan
I don't need a warrant for that...In Michigan, as in the rest of the United States, the Fourth Amendment of the fading Constitution provides individuals with protection against unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement. Generally, this means that police...
One of Michigan’s Top DUI Attorneys
We aggressively defend all aspects of traffic law, from simple civil infractions to more serious alcohol and drug-related offenses. Don't wait till the last second to get an attorney. That's how you lose.Why Attorney Michael Komorn is one of Michigan’s Top DUI...
Michigan DUI Laws and Consequences – Second Offense
Michigan DUI Laws and Consequences – Second Offense Operating Under the Influence (OUI) is a serious offense in Michigan. If someone is caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can face severe penalties. When it comes to a second offense, the...
Federal Ban on Owning Firearms by Cannabis Consumers is Unconstitutional Court Says
Federal charges against a non-violent, cannabis-using gun owner were unconstitutional.A federal appeals court panel upheld a lower court's ruling on Wednesday, declaring that federal charges against a non-violent, cannabis-using gun owner were unconstitutional. “The...
AG Nessel joined 21 attorneys general to regulate the sale of firearms
Extreme Risk Protection Order to prevent individuals from possessing or owning a firearm for eight years following their conviction. That legislation was signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in November of 2023.Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined...
