Kids have access to all kinds of channels of computer communication in today’s world. This includes email and messaging services. How a child ends up using such channels can have significant ramifications for them. For example, if a juvenile here in Wisconsin is accused of having sent out threatening or harassing emails or digital messages, they could face charges in the state.
They could end up having the charge of unlawful use of computerized communication systems brought against them. State law identifies a variety of different uses of email or other messages on computerized communications systems for the purposes of offending, annoying, harassing, threatening, abusing, intimidating or frightening others as falling under this offense and being prohibited.
What is the charge level of this offense? It varies. It can be a Class B forfeiture or can rise up to a Class B misdemeanor. State law contains a list of which of the types of prohibited conduct fall into the forfeiture level and which fall into the misdemeanor level. So, when a kid is accused this offense, the severity of the charges they are facing depends on what specific type of unlawful communications they are accused of sending and their alleged intent for sending them.
This underscores the point that it can be important for parents to talk to their kids about the importance of being careful about how they use email and messaging services. As one can see, misusing such systems could expose a juvenile to major consequences.
When a juvenile is accused of sending unlawful emails or computer messages or other internet offenses, what happens in the proceedings brought against them can have all kinds of implications on their life and future. So, when their child is facing such allegations, a parent may want to promptly speak to a defense lawyer experienced in representing juveniles about their child’s situation and defense options.