With the rise of technology, internet-based crimes have become more common in our society. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report, nearly 300,000 complaints were made concerning internet crime in 2017. Illinois ranked number seven on the list of states with the most internet crime incidences. The state of Illinois made changes to the Cyberstalking section of the Criminal Code of 2012, which went into effect at the beginning of 2018.

What Is Cyberstalking?

According to Illinois law, cyberstalking takes places when a person uses electronic communication to cause another person to fear for their safety or suffer emotional distress. The law also says that cyberstalking is committed if a person uses electronic communication to harass another person on two or more occasions and threatens bodily harm, sexual assault, confinement or restraint of the person or a family member of the person.

Stalking is considered a serious crime in Illinois, and it can result in numerous consequences for those who are convicted. Thankfully, there may be ways that you can fight back. The following explains more about the consequences of a stalking conviction. You will also learn where to find legal assistance, and why it is so important for your stalking criminal charges case.

Types of Stalking Charges in Illinois

There are three different types of stalking listed under Illinois’ Criminal Code, 720 ILCS 5/: stalking, cyberstalking, and aggravated stalking. Each has its own definition and set of consequences for conviction.