What is Stalking?
Stalking denotes a wide range of behavior that one party finds offensive and unwanted.
Examples of traditional stalking behavior include:
- Initiating unwelcome telephone calls, delivering gifts that are unwelcome
- Appearing unexpectedly and unannounced to a workplace or school
- Following the person in a vehicle or on foot
What is Cyberstalking?
In the majority of cases, cyberstalking refers to one party utilizing electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and cameras to communicate with a party when such communication is unwelcome.
Cyberstalking is a somewhat recent form of stalking that has arisen during the past three decades. Stalking and cyberstalking will typically violate the student code of conduct at universities and colleges as well as state law. Retaining an experienced and knowledgeable student defense lawyer is the best thing you can do if you are an undergraduate student accused of stalking or cyberstalking.
The Ramifications of Stalking and Cyberstalking Offenses
Universities and colleges can enforce a range of possible sanctions for violating student code of conduct provisions relating to stalking and cyberstalking. Some of the most common sanctions imposed by universities and colleges include the following:
- Expulsion
- Psychological counseling
- Suspension
- Revocation of financial aid
- Loss of college or university housing
- Formal reprimand
- A period of disciplinary probation
Impact of Cyber Stalking Sanction on Your Life
These sanctions can alter the course of your life as follows:
- Any offense related to stalking or cyberstalking will be documented by your university or college.
- Employers, admissions committees, and other authority figures will be able to access these documents on your academic record.
- You may find it more difficult to gain admission to graduate school if you have a stalking or cyberstalking violation on your record.
- Also, it may be more difficult for you to find employment with a stalking or cyberstalking violation on your record.
Remedy for Cyberstalking Defense Strategy
A skilled student defense lawyer can help you develop a case strategy that will focus on protecting your privacy and your civil rights. Numerous defenses may be available to students who are accused of stalking or cyberstalking. One misunderstood statement, or one wrong interpretation, may result in you facing allegations of stalking or cyberstalking. If you have any communications between you and your accuser, do not destroy them. A knowledgeable student defense lawyer can help you assemble this evidence to support your defense.