Accused of Violating a Cyberstalking Injunction in Fort Myers Because Someone Impersonated Me Online: What Are My Next Steps?
Cyberstalking injunctions have become quite common in Florida as online communications increase. If your ex has obtained a stalking injunction against you, it probably prevents you from contacting them online. What happens if someone tries to impersonate you online and contacts your ex? Could you really face criminal consequences? How do you prove that you never contacted your ex? These are questions you might want to discuss with a Fort Myers injunction violation lawyer.
It Is Very Easy to Impersonate Someone Online
If your ex has accused you of contacting them online, someone else might have sent the message while impersonating you. This is very easy to do across various apps. For example, someone might have set up an account with the same name as you, complete with a profile image of your face. All they need to do next is contact your ex, which they can do even if your ex blocked your real account. While online impersonation is relatively easy, you shouldn’t have to experience legal consequences for someone else’s actions.
Your Ex Might Have Accused You of Contacting Them Through a Fake Account
Your ex might be convinced that you have been contacting them through a fake account that you created after obtaining their stalking injunction. For example, they might have been contacted by a mysterious person with an account that is obviously an alias. This account may have a fake name and photograph. Most injunctions prevent respondents from contacting petitioners directly or indirectly. If your ex can prove that you created a fake account to contact them, you could face legal consequences.
The Court Must Establish That You Sent the Messages “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt”
The court must establish that you contacted your ex online “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This means that if there is even a small amount of doubt about whether you were the one who sent the messages, you should be able to walk free. Prosecutors may find it extremely hard to achieve this goal, especially if your messages were relatively short and lacking in context.
Generally speaking, prosecutors can only establish that you sent the messages if the content of the messages helps prove your identity. For example, you might have used “pet names” that only you and your ex are aware of. You might have also discussed events that only you and your ex participated in. If the messages do not include these “clues,” prosecutors will likely struggle to establish your identity without additional evidence.
Can a Fort Myers Injunction Violation Lawyer Help Me?
If someone impersonated you online, you shouldn’t have to face consequences for violating your stalking injunction in Fort Myers. Prosecutors must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that you were the same person who sent the messages. This isn’t always easy, and your defense lawyer can help you push back against these allegations. Contact The Foley & Wilson Law Firm today to assess potential defense strategies.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0784/Sections/0784.0485.html
flcourts.gov/content/download/685974/file_pdf/980t.pdf