One of the best features of the Internet is that it enables us to communicate our thoughts and feelings and generally exercise our First Amendment right to freedom of speech in an almost limitless way. The anonymity of the Internet, however, can invite hate speech about race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and more. While speech like this is unkind and hurtful, it almost always does not amount to a crime because it is constitutionally protected. Every so often, though, certain speech can come outside of First Amendment protections. For example, “fighting words,” words that “by their very utterance inflict injury and tend to incite an immediate breach of the peace” are not protected.
What happens in cyber hate speech cases is that the victim gets a civil rights injunction, and a violation of that injunction is a criminal offense punishable by fines of up to $10,000 or up to 2 ½ years in the house of correction.
Call a Boston Cyber Crimes Lawyer Now 617-512-0939
Hate crimes are always serious and evoke strong emotions. Cyber hate crimes and racism are receiving more and more attention due to the rise of Internet bullying and harassment. If you have been charged with violation of a civil rights injunction, call an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
To speak with an expert Boston cyber crimes lawyer, click here, or telephone Francis T. O’Brien, Jr. at O’Brien Law Boston twenty four hours, seven days a week, toll free at 617-512-0939. There is no fee charged to discuss your case, and all information furnished will be kept strictly confidential.