Checking who your spouse texted or emailed may seem harmless, but it can get you in real trouble. Acts that amount to spying on your spouse raise issues in family court, and also in a criminal law setting. While in a divorce case it may be necessary to employ a private investigator to uncover assets, if you take your actions too far you might have the need to explain yourself to a criminal law judge.
The Wall Street Journal ran an article a few years ago on the issue, and the content is still applicable today. In the article, a man began spying on his wife and it landed him in jail:
● The man had spyware installed on his wife’s cell phone.
● The family computer also had software for surveillance installed.
● The woman’s car was outfitted with GPS so her husband could track her actions.
Installing this type of software is becoming increasingly easy in today’s technology driven world. Popular websites offer “investigative” services, and for many people these are attractive ways to find out information about another person. But along with advances in technology, come changes to laws. Cyber stalking is a serious offense, and when you take your spying efforts too far you risk facing criminal charges. Another possible charge you might face is harassment. The punishment for these types of charges may cause embarrassment and disrupt your schedule or job.
If you have been charged with harassment or stalking, call our office for more information on how to defend these serious charges. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. Your first visit is a free initial consultation.