Maryland Man Charged with Cyberstalking and More

 Posted on December 26, 2024 in Criminal Defense

A 31-year-old Maryland man was recently found guilty on two dozen charges related to stalking, cyberstalking, and sharing sexual photos of two of his ex-girlfriends, as well as weapons charges related to firing a gun at the girlfriends. The Brandywine man dated both victims at various times between 2022 and 2023.

Both women said once they ended the relationship, the man began stalking them, sending threatening text messages and calling them hundreds of times in addition to showing up at their homes and places of work. The man additionally threatened to release sexually explicit images of both victims – a threat he subsequently followed up on by spreading printed photos of these sexually explicit images across their front lawns.

At one point, the man created a fake Instagram account for one of the victims, sharing revenge porn on the account. Stalking and cyberstalking have become increasingly common – and serious - criminal offenses. If you are charged with these offenses, it is important that you speak to a knowledgeable Northern Baltimore County, MD criminal defense attorney.

What is Stalking and What Are the Potential Penalties?

Stalking in Maryland focuses not just on one act but on a " malicious course of conduct" that leaves the alleged victim in fear of being harmed. A course of conduct is defined as a persistent pattern of conduct, over time, that indicates a purpose on the part of the defendant, giving the alleged victim a reasonable fear of:

• Bodily injury
• Assault
• Rape or any type of nonconsensual sexual offense
• Death
• Imprisonment without legal authority

Stalking laws do not apply to conduct being performed in an effort to ensure an individual’s compliance with a court order or for any lawful purpose. A person found guilty of stalking could face up to five years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $5,000.

What is Cyberstalking, and What Are the Potential Penalties?

Cyberstalking in Maryland is also known as electronic stalking. Maryland expanded its stalking laws in 2022 to add new provisions to the original stalking law. These provisions prohibit the use of any form of electronic communication to deliberately cause serious emotional distress to another person.

When a person repeatedly texts, emails, uses social media or uses any Internet-based communication tool to maliciously contact someone over time with the intent to harass or threaten another person, he or she could be charged with cyberstalking. Cyberstalking also prohibits the use of any device that tracks another’s location with that person’s explicit consent.

Cyberbullying is a separate misdemeanor crime that makes it illegal to bully another person through the use of a computer or cell phone. The penalties for cyberbullying include up to three years in prison and a fine as large as $10,000.

Cyberstalking carries the same penalties as stalking upon conviction. If cyberbullying leads to another person committing suicide as a result, a person convicted of the crime could spend up to 10 years in prison.

Are There Defenses to Stalking and Cyberstalking?

The defenses to stalking and cyberstalking  involve the prosecutor’s ability to definitively show that:

• The defendant engaged in a pattern of repeated, unwanted communication toward the alleged victim.
• The defendant made specific threats or was constantly harassing comments or actions.
• The alleged victim reasonably feared for his or her physical safety.
• The use of email, social media, texts, or other technology was used (for cyberstalking) to threaten or harass.
• The defendant had criminal intent.

Other potential defenses include police errors and constitutional violations such as failing to properly Mirandize the defendant or refusing to allow the defendant to contact an attorney.

Contact a Harford County, MD Stalking Lawyer

If you have been charged with stalking, you must take these charges very seriously. You could potentially spend many years in prison if convicted of the offense. Having a highly skilled Northern Baltimore County, MD stalking attorney from Baltimore Legal Services by your side can help ensure the best resolution possible.

When you choose our law firm, you will benefit from a firm that has helped more than 10,000 clients charged with criminal offenses. We charge a custom flat fee and are available 24/7 for your convenience. Call 858-523-8423 to schedule your free consultation.