Threats & Stalking Case Study
Whether cyberstalking via social media constituted stalking under Virginia law.
The court affirmed the cyberstalking conviction, finding that the defendant's repeated, harassing posts on the alleged victim's social media accounts — combined with direct messages — constituted a course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress. The court held that cyberstalking via social media falls within the scope of Virginia's stalking statute.
Cyberstalking via social media is increasingly prosecuted in Virginia. D.J. Rivera's background in computer engineering and Internet law makes him uniquely qualified to defend cyberstalking cases — challenging the attribution of online communications, the context of the communications, and whether the communications constituted a course of conduct sufficient for stalking.
This case involves § 18.2-60.3 of the Virginia Code. For a full analysis of how this statute applies to your case, consult with D.J. Rivera.
D.J. Rivera applies the lessons of cases like this one to defend clients throughout Richmond and Northern Virginia. Free consultation available 24/7.
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