LANSING (WTOL) - A new law takes effect Wednesday in Michigan that makes cyberbullying a misdemeanor crime that could result in jail time and a large fine.
The new law makes it illegal to cyberbully another person and violators could face a maximum of 93 days in jail, a fine of $500, or both. If a cyberbully has a previous conviction, he or she could face year in jail and/or a maximum fine of $1,000.
Cyberbullying is defined as a pattern of harassing, intimidating or threatening behavior in a public media forum.
Someone who violates the new law and conducts “a continued pattern of harassing or intimidating behavior” that causes serious injury to the victim could face a felony that carries a maximum five-year sentence and/or a $5,000 fine.
If cyberbullying leads to a death, the instigator could be charged with a felony and face up to 10 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
According to the new law, cyberbullying involves:
- Posting a message or statement in a public media forum about any other person that is intended to put someone in fear of bodily harm or death and expresses an intent to commit violence against the person.
- Posting a message or statement with the intent to communicate a threat with the knowledge that it will be viewed as a threat.
- A pattern of harassing or intimidating behavior.
The law was signed by former Gov. Rick Snyder in December.
