§ 5-41-108 — Unlawful computerized communications

(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful computerized communications if, with the purpose to frighten, intimidate, threaten, abuse, or harass another person, the person sends a message: (1) To the other person on an electronic mail or other computerized communication system and in that message threatens to cause physical injury to any person or damage to the property of any person; (2) On an electronic mail or other computerized communication system with the reasonable expectation that the other person will receive the message and in that message threatens to cause physical injury to any person or damage to the property of any person; (3) To another person on an electronic mail or other computerized communication system and in that message uses any obscene, lewd, or profane language; or (4) On an electronic mail or other computerized communication system with the reasonable expectation that the other person will receive the message and in that message uses any obscene, lewd, or profane language. (b) Unlawful computerized communications is a Class A misdemeanor. (c) (1) The judicial officer in a court of competent jurisdiction shall upon pretrial release of the defendant enter an order consistent with Rules 9.3 and 9.4 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure and shall give notice to the defendant of penalties contained in Rule 9.5 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure. (2) A protective order under subdivision (c)(1) of this section remains in effect during the pendency of any appeal of a conviction under this section.

Legislative History

Acts 1997, No. 1153, § 2.