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When Text Messaging Goes Too Far: Potential Legal Actions

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Dec 02, 2022 | 0 Comments

Today, interpersonal communication is more accessible and more instantaneous than it has ever been at any other point in human history. This evolution has changed the course of humanity in a plethora of positive ways, allowing vital information and education to spread at much faster rates than ever before. However, it also enables communications taken from separate physical locations to take place in an unprecedentedly impulsive manner.

When you send a text message or an online direct message, there is no waiting for the phone to ring. There is no assessing the tone of the recipient's voice or the context of their words. Before you know it, you can find yourself in a situation where a conversation has escalated to the point where you've been accused of harassment and threatened with legal action for sending unwanted messages.

What Types of Text Messages Constitute Harassment?

There are many different scenarios in which contact via text messages can be considered harassment. If the messages being sent contains offensive language, threats of violence, or are sent in the middle of the night, they may constitute harassment. If the content in the messages is of a sexual nature, included unwanted flirting or photos of nudity, they may constitute sexual harassment. Messages that persist after the other person has requested that you stop contacting them may even be considered cyberstalking.

Which Legal Actions Can an Alleged Victim Take?

When a person feels that they are being harassed or stalked through text messages, they may attempt to defend themselves by threatening to take legal action. While it is up to each individual whether or not they follow through on these threats or not, they are not empty. Depending on the content and context of the text messages, criminal charges of harassment, sexual harassment, or cyberstalking are real possibilities. There is also the possibility of a restraining order or an order of protection being ordered against you, either as part of a criminal case or as a standalone civil court order.

What Are the Potential Consequences for the Alleged Perpetrator?

The consequences of sending harassing or unwanted text messages can be significant. If you are charged and convicted of harassment, sexual harassment, or cyberstalking, you will face the possibility of jail time, hefty fines, and legal fees. If a restraining order or an order of protection is entered against you, you will be under strict requirements to cease contact of any kind with the alleged victim. If contact occurs, even as a response, you will face additional criminal charges that hold separate consequences.

How the Lento Law Firm Can Help

If you have been accused of sending threatening or unwanted text messages, it is imperative that you get ahead of the allegations by speaking to a criminal defense attorney immediately. By being proactive, you can minimize the damage your reputation and future may be facing. Call attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in New Jersey and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

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​​​Contact The Lento Law Firm Today

When it comes to criminal defense cases, you need the right person in your corner. To learn more about how Mr. Lento can help you, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. or contact him online.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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