Text Threats Made Illegal (AP)

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A new law makes it illegal to send threatening or harassing text messages.

By Associated Press' Joe Kafka

Story Created: Jun 28, 2008 at 5:34 PM CST

Story Updated: Jun 28, 2008 at 9:30 PM CST

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - The South Dakota Criminal Code will get its annual update Tuesday with the addition of many new criminal statutes -- including enactment of a law making it illegal to send threatening or harassing text messages.

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Previous law has prohibited the use of traditional telephones to make threats, intimidate or annoy people, or to extort money. The new law also will make those actions illegal if done with other electronic devices, such as cell phones, satellite phones and computers hooked to the Internet.

Violators will face maximum penalties of one year in jail and $2,000 fines.

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Sunday, Jun 29 at 12:36 PM SoDakJeep wrote ...

I agree with sodak how can they prove this?

Sunday, Jun 29 at 9:41 AM Joy wrote ...

LOL!

Sunday, Jun 29 at 7:43 AM TO SVEN.... wrote ...

No you can't call it paranoid because stuff like this happens all the time. Even high school students are harassed to the point that they drop out and even commit suicide. Its a sad thing and needs to be stopped.

Saturday, Jun 28 at 9:19 PM Sven wrote ...

Can I call that paranoid?

Saturday, Jun 28 at 9:12 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Some places in the EU you can get a phone which is untraceable meaning it's a pay as you go phone you don't register it and no one knows who you are. You top up in shops which can be done via cash or credit cards. I have worked on cases in the UK with the unions with people who have lost their jobs for sending harassing text messages. It's not easy to prove put it can be done. I think it's great the SD finally has this law!! At least people who send repetitive harassing messages will be caught!

Saturday, Jun 28 at 8:04 PM sodak wrote ...

So r u trying to tell me that if one of my friends takes my phone and texts a threat to someone i will get in trouble....what is up with that how will they be able to charge you something that they cant prove.

Saturday, Jun 28 at 7:06 PM Good... wrote ...

I am glad to see the law is catching up w/ electronic devices. Text harassing is way to easy to do & should have consequences. Now I only hope the same is done w/ the internet.

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