Penal Code: 18 U.S.C. § 2261A

Federal law makes it illegal to use the internet, email, text messages, social media, GPS technology, or other electronic communications to stalk, harass, intimidate, threaten, or cause substantial emotional distress to another person. The federal cyberstalking statute is commonly used when conduct crosses state lines or involves interstate communications. Penalties vary depending on the circumstances and may include significant prison sentences and fines.

Penal Code: Ala. Code § 13A-11-8

Alabama law makes it illegal to use electronic communications to harass, threaten, alarm, or cause substantial emotional distress to another person. Cyberstalking-related conduct is generally prosecuted under Alabama's harassment statute when repeated online contact causes fear or emotional harm. A violation is generally a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Penal Code: Alaska Stat. § 11.61.120

Alaska law makes it illegal to use electronic communications to threaten physical injury, unwanted sexual contact, or otherwise harass another person. Cyberstalking-related conduct is generally prosecuted under Alaska's harassment statute when repeated online behavior causes fear or distress. A violation is generally a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Penal Code: A.R.S. § 13-2921

Arizona law makes it illegal to repeatedly use electronic communications to harass, threaten, intimidate, or alarm another person. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Arizona's harassment statute, and victims may also seek injunctions against online contact. A violation is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

Penal Code: Ark. Code § 5-71-208

Arkansas law makes it illegal to engage in a pattern of conduct, including electronic communications, that causes another person substantial emotional distress, fear, or intimidation. Cyberstalking-related conduct is generally prosecuted under Arkansas's stalking and harassment laws. Penalties vary depending on the severity of the conduct and may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony.

Penal Code: Cal. Penal Code § 518 (Extortion)

California law makes it illegal to use threats, fear, or coercion to obtain money, property, services, sexual images, sexual acts, or anything of value from another person. Sextortion cases are commonly prosecuted under California's extortion laws when a person threatens to disclose intimate images or information unless the victim complies with demands. Extortion is a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison.

Penal Code: C.R.S. § 18-3-602

Colorado law makes it illegal to repeatedly contact, monitor, threaten, or harass another person through electronic communications in a manner that causes fear, distress, or intimidation. Cyberstalking is generally a felony offense punishable by 1 to 8 years in prison, depending on aggravating factors such as prior convictions or restraining order violations.

Penal Code: C.G.S. § 53a-181f

Connecticut law makes it illegal to use electronic tracking devices, electronic communications, or other technology to monitor or stalk another person in a way that causes fear for their safety. A violation is generally a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail.

Penal Code: Del. Code tit. 11 § 1311

Delaware law makes it illegal to repeatedly harass, threaten, monitor, or contact another person through electronic communications in a manner that causes fear, intimidation, or emotional distress. Delaware has one of the strongest cyberstalking laws in the country. A violation is generally a Class F felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Penal Code: Fla. Stat. § 784.048

Florida law makes it illegal to engage in a pattern of online harassment, intimidation, or unwanted electronic contact that causes substantial emotional distress. Aggravated cyberstalking involving threats, minors, or protective-order violations may be charged as a felony. A violation is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Penal Code: O.C.G.A. § 16-5-90

Georgia law makes it illegal to use electronic communications to harass, intimidate, surveil, or contact another person without consent in a manner that causes emotional distress or fear. Depending on the circumstances, cyberstalking may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Penal Code: Haw. Rev. Stat. § 711-1106

Hawaii law makes it illegal to use electronic communications to harass another person in a manner that causes substantial emotional distress. Cyberstalking-related conduct is generally prosecuted under Hawaii's harassment laws. A violation is generally a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail.

Penal Code: Idaho Code § 18-7906

Idaho law makes it illegal to use electronic communications to maliciously harass, intimidate, threaten, or alarm another person. Cyberstalking-related conduct is generally prosecuted under Idaho's harassment laws. A violation is generally a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Penal Code: 720 ILCS 5/12-7.5

Illinois law makes it illegal to use electronic communications to engage in a course of conduct that causes another person emotional distress, fear, or concern for their safety. Illinois is one of the few states with a standalone cyberstalking statute. Cyberstalking is generally a felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, depending on prior offenses and aggravating factors.

Penal Code: Ind. Code § 35-45-10-5

Indiana law makes it illegal to repeatedly contact, harass, intimidate, or monitor another person through electronic communications in a way that causes fear or emotional distress. Cyberstalking is generally a felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.

Penal Code: Iowa Code § 708.7

Iowa law makes it illegal to repeatedly use electronic communications to harass, threaten, intimidate, or alarm another person. Depending on the severity of the conduct and prior offenses, cyberstalking-related behavior may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Penal Code: K.S.A. § 21-5427

Kansas law makes it illegal to engage in a pattern of conduct, including electronic communications, that causes another person to reasonably fear for their safety or suffer emotional distress. Depending on the circumstances, cyberstalking may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses.

Penal Code: KRS § 508.150

Kentucky law makes it illegal to engage in a course of conduct through electronic communications that causes another person to fear physical injury, suffer substantial mental distress, or feel intimidated. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Kentucky's stalking laws. Depending on the circumstances, stalking may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Penal Code: La. R.S. § 14:40.2

Louisiana law makes it illegal to repeatedly follow, monitor, contact, or communicate with another person through electronic means in a manner that causes fear, intimidation, or emotional distress. Cyberstalking is generally a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and fines.

Penal Code: 17-A M.R.S. § 210-A

Maine law makes it illegal to repeatedly engage in conduct, including electronic communications, that causes another person to fear bodily injury or suffer substantial emotional distress. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Maine's stalking statute. Stalking is generally a Class D crime punishable by up to 364 days in jail, with enhanced penalties in certain circumstances.

Penal Code: Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-802

Maryland law makes it illegal to maliciously engage in a course of conduct through electronic communications that causes serious emotional distress or places another person in fear of bodily harm. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Maryland's stalking laws. A violation is generally a misdemeanor punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.

Penal Code: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 265 § 43A

Massachusetts law makes it illegal to repeatedly harass, threaten, intimidate, or contact another person through electronic communications in a manner that causes fear, emotional distress, or substantial disruption to the victim's life. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Massachusetts's criminal harassment laws. A violation is generally punishable by up to 2.5 years in jail, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.

Penal Code: MCL § 750.411h

Michigan law makes it illegal to engage in a pattern of unwanted conduct, including electronic communications, that causes another person emotional distress or fear for their safety. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Michigan's stalking laws. Stalking is generally a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances, with penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment.

Penal Code: Minn. Stat. § 609.749

Minnesota law makes it illegal to repeatedly use electronic communications to harass, intimidate, threaten, or monitor another person in a way that causes fear, emotional distress, or concern for safety. Depending on the circumstances, cyberstalking may be charged as a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Penal Code: Miss. Code § 97-45-15

Mississippi law makes it illegal to use electronic communications to threaten, harass, intimidate, or repeatedly contact another person in a manner that causes substantial emotional distress or fear. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Mississippi's cyberstalking statute. A violation is generally a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and fines.

Penal Code: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 565.225

Missouri law makes it illegal to repeatedly communicate, monitor, follow, or harass another person through electronic means in a manner that causes fear, emotional distress, or concern for safety. Depending on the circumstances, stalking may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses and violations involving protective orders.

Penal Code: Mont. Code Ann. § 45-5-220

Montana law makes it illegal to knowingly engage in a course of conduct, including electronic communications, that causes another person substantial emotional distress or reasonable fear of bodily injury. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Montana's stalking laws. Stalking is generally a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances and prior offenses.

Penal Code: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-311.03

Nebraska law makes it illegal to engage in a knowing and repeated course of conduct, including electronic communications, that terrorizes, threatens, intimidates, or causes substantial emotional distress to another person. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Nebraska's stalking laws. Stalking is generally a Class I misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances.

Penal Code: Nev. Rev. Stat. § 200.575

Nevada law makes it illegal to engage in a course of conduct through electronic communications that causes another person to feel frightened, intimidated, harassed, or fearful for their safety. Depending on the circumstances, stalking may be charged as a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony, with enhanced penalties for threats or prior convictions.

Penal Code: RSA 633:3-a

New Hampshire law makes it illegal to repeatedly communicate with, monitor, follow, or harass another person through electronic means in a manner that causes fear, emotional distress, or concern for safety. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under New Hampshire's stalking laws. A violation may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances.

Penal Code: N.J. Stat. § 2C:12-10

New Jersey law makes it illegal to repeatedly communicate with, monitor, track, or contact another person through electronic means in a way that causes fear, emotional distress, or concern for personal safety. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under New Jersey's stalking statute. Stalking is generally a crime of the fourth degree, with enhanced penalties in certain circumstances.

Penal Code: N.M. Stat. § 30-3A-3.1

New Mexico law makes it illegal to knowingly pursue a pattern of conduct, including electronic communications, that causes another person to fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under New Mexico's stalking laws. Stalking is generally a misdemeanor for a first offense and may become a felony for repeat offenses.

Penal Code: N.Y. Penal Law § 120.45

New York law makes it illegal to engage in repeated electronic communications or online conduct intended to harass, threaten, intimidate, or cause fear of physical harm to another person. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under New York's stalking laws. Depending on the circumstances, stalking may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Penal Code: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-277.3A

North Carolina law makes it illegal to use electronic communications to repeatedly harass, intimidate, torment, or threaten another person in a manner that causes substantial emotional distress or fear. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under North Carolina's cyberstalking statute. A violation is generally a Class 2 misdemeanor, with enhanced penalties in certain circumstances.

Penal Code: N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-17-07.1

North Dakota law makes it illegal to repeatedly contact, communicate with, monitor, or follow another person through electronic means in a manner that causes fear, intimidation, or substantial emotional distress. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under North Dakota's stalking laws. Stalking is generally a Class A misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances and prior offenses.

Penal Code: ORC § 2903.211

Ohio law makes it illegal to engage in a pattern of conduct, including electronic communications, that causes another person to believe they will suffer physical harm or experience mental distress. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Ohio's menacing by stalking statute. Depending on the circumstances, violations may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Penal Code: 21 Okla. Stat. § 1173

Oklahoma law makes it illegal to use electronic communications to harass, threaten, intimidate, or repeatedly contact another person in a manner that causes fear or emotional distress. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Oklahoma's stalking laws. Stalking is generally a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances.

Penal Code: ORS § 163.732

Oregon law makes it illegal to knowingly alarm or coerce another person through repeated unwanted contact, including electronic communications, when the conduct causes reasonable apprehension regarding personal safety. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Oregon's stalking laws. Stalking is generally a Class A misdemeanor, with additional penalties available through protective orders.

Penal Code: 18 Pa.C.S. § 2709.1

Pennsylvania law makes it illegal to repeatedly communicate with, follow, monitor, or threaten another person through electronic means in a manner that causes substantial emotional distress or fear of bodily injury. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Pennsylvania's stalking statute. Depending on the circumstances, stalking may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Penal Code: R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-59-2

Rhode Island law makes it illegal to repeatedly harass, threaten, monitor, or contact another person through electronic communications in a manner that causes fear, intimidation, or emotional distress. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Rhode Island's stalking laws. A violation may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances.

Penal Code: S.C. Code Ann. § 16-3-1700

South Carolina law makes it illegal to engage in a pattern of conduct, including electronic communications, that causes another person to fear death, bodily injury, or significant emotional distress. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under South Carolina's stalking laws. Stalking is generally a felony punishable by fines and imprisonment, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses.

Penal Code: S.D. Codified Laws § 22-19A-1

South Dakota law makes it illegal to engage in a course of conduct, including electronic communications, that causes another person to fear death, bodily injury, or significant emotional harm. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under South Dakota's stalking laws. Depending on the circumstances, stalking may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Penal Code: Tenn. Code § 39-17-315

Tennessee law makes it illegal to repeatedly communicate with, monitor, threaten, or harass another person through electronic means in a manner that causes emotional distress, fear, or intimidation. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Tennessee's harassment and stalking laws. Depending on the circumstances, violations may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Penal Code: Tex. Penal Code § 42.072

Texas law makes it illegal to engage in repeated conduct, including electronic communications, that causes another person to fear bodily injury, death, or that they are being harassed, alarmed, abused, tormented, embarrassed, or offended. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Texas's stalking statute. Stalking is generally a third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses.

Penal Code: Utah Code § 76-5-106.5

Utah law makes it illegal to repeatedly communicate with, monitor, follow, or harass another person through electronic means in a way that causes fear, emotional distress, or concern for safety. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Utah's stalking laws. Stalking is generally a felony offense, with penalties varying based on the circumstances and prior convictions.

Penal Code: 13 V.S.A. § 1062

Vermont law makes it illegal to engage in a pattern of conduct, including electronic communications, that causes another person to fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Vermont's stalking laws. Depending on the circumstances, stalking may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Penal Code: Va. Code § 18.2-60.3

Virginia law makes it illegal to use electronic communications to engage in conduct directed at another person with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury. Virginia specifically criminalizes cyberstalking. A violation is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.

Penal Code: Rev. Code Wash. § 9.61.260

Washington law makes it illegal to use electronic communications to harass, intimidate, torment, embarrass, or threaten another person. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Washington's cyber harassment and cyberstalking laws. Depending on the circumstances, violations may be charged as a gross misdemeanor or felony.

Penal Code: W. Va. Code § 61-2-9a

West Virginia law makes it illegal to repeatedly follow, monitor, communicate with, or harass another person through electronic means in a manner that causes fear, intimidation, or substantial emotional distress. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under West Virginia's stalking laws. Depending on the circumstances, stalking may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

Penal Code: Wis. Stat. § 940.32

Wisconsin law makes it illegal to engage in a course of conduct, including electronic communications, that causes another person to fear bodily injury, death, or significant emotional distress. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Wisconsin's stalking statute. Depending on the circumstances, stalking may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.

Penal Code: Wyo. Stat. § 6-2-506

Wyoming law makes it illegal to engage in a course of conduct, including electronic communications, that harasses another person and causes substantial emotional distress or fear. Cyberstalking-related conduct may be prosecuted under Wyoming's stalking laws. Stalking is generally a misdemeanor for a first offense and may become a felony for repeat offenses.