Can you go to jail for threatening text messages?

Can you go to jail for threatening text messages?

It is unlawful to threaten to cause bodily harm to someone, which includes sending messages through electronic communication such as text messages. State and federal laws prohibit this type of conduct. If the person is convicted, they could be looking at spending years in prison.

Is sending threatening texts illegal?

Can police do anything about threatening text messages?

As soon as the person sending you unwanted texts threatens you in any way, you should go to the police. If you receive disturbing messages from an unknown number, the police will need to obtain telephone records from the mobile phone companies to track down the perpetrator and reveal his identity.

What is considered harassment through text?

Text Harassment – The New Frontier Here are some things that make a message harassing: Repeated or unwanted contact. Threats of violence or harm. Threats of property damage. Unwelcome sexually-charged texts, which can result in sexual harassment.

What can I do if I receive threatening texts?

How to report harassing text messages to the police

1. Save harassment data. Depending on your phone, you can take a “screenshot” of the data.
2. Get your cell phone records.
3. Collect all the evidence.
4. Make an index.
5. Make a matching copy for you.
6. Include your contact information.
7. Go to the police.

How do I trace threatening text messages?

Law Enforcement If someone is stalking you by text message, file a police report. Your local law-enforcement agency has the power to track down people who use anonymous Web portals to send threatening texts.

Is texting an ex harassment?

Text messages are short and quick, and they can be less likely to lead to extended arguments than a phone call. On the other hand, sending repeated text messages to an ex-spouse, ex-lover or ex-partner can sometimes be considered harassment – especially if the texts are insulting or have a threatening undertone.

What is considered a verbal threat?

An utter threat applies when someone knowingly conveys a threat to a person verbally, or by other means to either: Cause death or bodily harm to any person. Burn, destroy, or damage property.

Can I file a police report for verbal threats?

When these elements are met and the circumstances suggest that a verbal threat is serious, a person can press charges for verbal threats. The person who was threatened can do this by calling the police and having them file an incident report. From there the police will conduct an investigation.

Is it illegal to send someone a threatening text message?

As with state law, the threat can be made against the person who received the message or someone else. For instance, say Alfredo made a friend online. The two maintained their relationship by communicating through social media and text messages. One day, Alfredo decided he wanted to meet the friend in person, but they refused.

Can you report harassing text messages to the police?

Harassment does not have to be threatening to be “harassing.” It can take the form of abusive messages or text message “spam.” Regardless of the situation, it is not legal nor justified and you have the right to take action. Here are the specific steps to take in order to report a case of text harassment.

What should I do if someone is texting me?

If you ask the potential harasser to stop texting you, but you keep receiving unwanted texts, the next step to take is to block the number. Blocking can also help you stop unwanted phone calls, in case the perpetrator starts calling you, too. Here are some options to consider:

Can a text from someone close to you be harassing?

Even if the person sending you the message is someone close to you, including family members, the text can still be considered harassing, depending on what it says. It doesn’t even have to be threatening—it’s enough if it’s spam-like or abusive. Here are some things that make a message harassing: Is It Harassment to Text Someone Repeatedly?