What are the penalties for breaking Internet laws?
Internet law in California is subject to the same penalties that applies to any other violation of the law. Depending on the severity of the offense, a person who breaks internet law may be subject to civil penalties, criminal prosecution, or both. Criminal penalties for breaking internet laws can include a fine and/or jail time. For instance, if a person is found guilty of cyberbullying in California they can be subject to up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. People who are convicted of committing identity theft can be sentenced to up to 16 months in state prison or up to three years in county jail, as well as fines. The penalties for computer fraud and cyberstalking can also be severe. Civil penalties for breaking internet laws include monetary damages and injunctions. In some cases, a person who breaks internet laws may be subject to compensatory damages, which are designed to make the wronged party “whole” again in the form of out-of-pocket expenses related to the offense. A civil judge may also issue an injunction, which is a court order requiring the wrongdoer to cease the offending activities and potentially pay restitution. In addition to the civil and criminal penalties for breaking internet laws, many state and federal agencies can also issue administrative penalties. These penalties may include fines, suspension or revocation of a license, or the closure of a business. Regardless of the penalty, the consequences of breaking internet laws can be severe.
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