Oklahoma Harassment Laws
Under Oklahoma statute § 21-1172, it is unlawful to make obscene or lewd comments or requests or to otherwise harass a person using any means of telephonic or electronic communication. This includes any communication that is intended to intimidate or threaten someone with physical harm or death.
Telecommunication and Electronic Communication Defined
The statute includes a lengthy definition of telecommunication and electronic communication that describes the transmission of data, signals, sounds, writings or images through cellular, electromagnetic and photoelectronic means. In plain English, this simply means that it is illegal to make threatening or harassing phone calls or to use a smartphone, tablet or computer to send inappropriate:
- Facebook posts or private messages
- E-mails
- Voicemails
- Text messages
- Tweets or direct messages through Twitter
- Snaps or stories through Snapchat
- Instagram messages
- Any other form of social media message
This statute also applies to outdated forms of electronic communication such as pages and faxes.
Misdemeanor or Felony?
Under this statute, a first offense will be charged as a misdemeanor, while a second or subsequent offense will be prosecuted as a felony.
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