I am under investigation for online impersonation, what will happen during the investigation and will I need an attorney?
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I am under investigation for online impersonation, what will happen during the investigation and will I need an attorney?
My friend gave me her passwords to her facebook and email accounts. We got into an arguement and I logged onto her facebook account an impersonated her as well as her email account. I said things like “I’m drunk and all I do is feel sorry for myself and talk trash about other people”, I did not threaten her in any way. An officer came out to my apt twice but I was not arrested and the DA did not want to press any charges at this time. However there will be an investigation and someone will be contacting me for my statement. What can I expect to happen? Will I need an attorney?
Asked on April 13, 2012 under Criminal Law, Texas
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Online impersonation or harrassment is an offense that can be prosecuted like any other criminal offense. If convicted, it will affect your criminal history and employment opportunities just like any other criminal conviction. Usually a DA does not make the decision to file or not to file a case until the entire investigation is complete--- so for someone to tell you that the DA doesn't want to press charges at this time-- really means not at this time-- but know it could possibly be coming. You have the right to have an attorney present when you talk to the investigator for your statement. This is an incredibly valuable right since you've laid out several things in your question that would support a case against you. If you do make a statement that "seals the case", then a warrant could be issued for your arrest and you would be required to appear in court to face these charges.
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Online impersonation or harrassment is an offense that can be prosecuted like any other criminal offense. If convicted, it will affect your criminal history and employment opportunities just like any other criminal conviction. Usually a DA does not make the decision to file or not to file a case until the entire investigation is complete--- so for someone to tell you that the DA doesn't want to press charges at this time-- really means not at this time-- but know it could possibly be coming. You have the right to have an attorney present when you talk to the investigator for your statement. This is an incredibly valuable right since you've laid out several things in your question that would support a case against you. If you do make a statement that "seals the case", then a warrant could be issued for your arrest and you would be required to appear in court to face these charges.
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