St. Louis, Missouri Cyberbullying Defense Lawyer

Missouri Electronic Harassment Defense Attorney

As a result of a few highly publicized cases involving cyberbullying in Missouri, the Missouri legislature and prosecutors have become much tougher on the crime of cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Prior to 2008, Missouri law didn’t have a statute which made harassment through electronic means a crime. However, as a result of the highly publicized Megan Meier case in St. Charles, Missouri involving MySpace, then-Governor Blunt signed a bill which criminalized electronic harassment and stalking. Since the enactment of the new cyberbullying laws, many individuals have faced criminal charges under the new Missouri statute.

If you have been arrested or charged under the new Missouri harassment statute, you need a knowledgeable and skilled criminal defense attorney. Our St. Louis criminal defense lawyers can provide you with the vigorous defense you need to combat a charge of harassment or electronic harassment. Attorney Mick Henderson, Managing Partner of Henderson & Waterkotte, P.C., is a recognized authority on the new Missouri electronic harassment statute. Not only has Mick represented individuals charged under the new Missouri statute, but he has also extensively studied, researched, and written about the new statute. One of Mick’s articles has been published in the Missouri Law Review, which is one of the oldest legal publications west of the Mississippi, first published in 1936. His article focuses on the new Missouri harassment statute and discusses recent court decisions, legislative acts, and provides an in-depth analysis of the new statute.

What is Electronic Harrassment or Cyberbullying

A person can be charged with the crime of harassment if he or she:

  • Knowingly communicates a threat to commit any felony to another person and in so doing frightens, intimidates, or causes emotional distress to such other person; or
  • When communicating with another person, knowingly uses coarse language offensive to one of average sensibility and thereby puts such person in reasonable apprehension of offensive physical contact or harm; or
  • Knowingly frightens, intimidates, or causes emotional distress to another person by anonymously making a telephone call or any electronic communication; or
  • Knowingly communicates with another person who is, or who purports to be, seventeen years of age or younger and in so doing and without good cause recklessly frightens, intimidates, or causes emotional distress to such other person; or
  • Knowingly makes repeated unwanted communication to another person; or
  • Without good cause engages in any other act with the purpose to frighten, intimidate, or cause emotional distress to another person, cause such person to be frightened, intimidated, or emotionally distressed, and such person's response to the act is one of a person of average sensibilities considering the age of such person.

Harassment is a Class A misdemeanor unless it is committed by a person twenty-one years of age or older against a person seventeen years of age or younger, or the person has previously pleaded guilty to or been found guilty of harassment. In such cases, harassment is a Class D felony.

Contact the St. Louis Harassment Lawyers of Henderson & Waterkotte, P.C.

In Missouri, a harassment charge carries the potential for significant jail time, stiff fines, and a period of probation. If you have been charged with harassment in the state of Missouri, you need a qualified and skilled criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and defend your freedom. At Henderson & Waterkotte, P.C., our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys will aggressively and effectively represent you to obtain the best possible result. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7.