New York(Washington Insider Magazine) -Bullying is the use of force or coercion to abuse. It is a threat to aggressively dominate others. The bullying can be physical, verbal, or digital. Bullying is most commonly associated with minors and it is committed by children 18 and younger. Most cases of bullying come from school and the bullying activities are done by kids against other kids.
However, bullying is not just restricted to minors. Many adults working in offices and organizations are also a victim of bullying. The rise in bullying cases has forced the state of Florida to pass various statutes regarding any kind of bullying behavior in the State. This article focuses on the legal consequences that one might face for bullying someone.
Is bullying a Crime?
Bullying is most commonly associated with younger people. It is common in minors and such cases often occur in schools. Bullying cases might occur in colleges as well because young people interact with each other in schools and colleges on daily basis. Young people who are technically adults are often caught up in bullying cases. Due to the rise in bullying cases Florida has rated bullying as a crime.
Social exclusion and teasing someone are included in the act of bullying. If someone threatens you or intimidates you into doing a certain activity, then this is also considered bullying. Stalking someone or using physical violence is also bullying. The sexual advances of someone without the consent of the other person are considered Sexual harassment and bullying as well.
What Are Florida’s Bullying Laws?
Florida laws are designed to apply to situations of bullying happening all over the State. Florida anti-bullying laws cover all the incidences of bullying occurring in different parts of the state. The conduct of bullying is punishable and any person getting involved in the act of bullying can face serious legal consequences. This law bans people from limiting the ability of a victim to participate in services or activities provided by private organizations or the government.
Florida Bullying Penalties
Bullying in Florida is considered an offense and the person caught in the act could face distinct penalties. If someone is convicted of harassment, then he can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony conviction.
- If someone is convicted of bullying then, he could face the following penalties:
- A person convicted of a bullying charge could end up serving jail time of 1 year.
- If the bullying case is minor, then the defendant might get away with paying a $1,000 fine
- If someone gets convicted of a felony offense, then they could end up facing the following charges:
- Bullying charges for a felony offense will punish the defendant with Five years in prison
- On less serious charges you will have to pay a $5,000 fine
Difference Between Misdemeanor & Felony Bullying
Bullying is a misdemeanor without the threat of harm. It will become a felony if the person makes a believable threat. So what makes a threat believable? It could be a threat that is delivered through the use of words or actions. This makes the targeted person rationally feel this his well-being is at risk. The threat could involve the person himself or it could be directed against his family or loved ones as well. The threat will be considered rational if the suspect who has made the threat takes an action and harms the person.
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Bullying Charges For Minors in Florida
Bullying is often associated with schools and youth so this means that minors could also be charged with bullying. If a minor is caught in bullying activity at a school, then he too will get punished under the laws made by Florida. In Florida, bullying charges could seriously affect minors so it is best to refrain from getting involved in bullying activities.
People who are under the age of 18 can be charged with bullying as it is considered to be a delinquent act. The punishment could be as tough as any adult could receive. Bullying act by a minor is equivalent to a criminal act for an adult. The bullying act done by a minor will face proceedings in Juvenile Court.
However, the penalties are aimed more at education and rehabilitation and not at giving strict punishment. If there is an extreme case, then the minor could face cyberbullying charges like an adult would face. It is always good to stay away from bullying acts but this could result in serious problems and could spoil your life.
