Doxing: Can It Get You Arrested?
If you browse the internet in 2022, you might have heard the term “doxing.” But what is doxing? Can doxing lead to an arrest? What punishment can a court order for a doxing arrest? Today we’ll look at what constitutes doxing and how law enforcement attempts to enforce laws to limit the practice. If you were arrested for doxing, contact the New Mexico Criminal Law Offices today to get started on your free consultation.
What Is Doxing?
According to the U.S. News, the term doxing was derived from the longtime hacker phrase, “dropping documents.” Doxing someone means to release their personal or private information to the public, typically through the internet. Doxing can reveal information such as a person’s:
- Home address;
- Phone number;
- Social security number;
- Credit card information;
- Private photographs;
- Email address;
- Workplace and title;
- Criminal history;
- Bank account information; or
- Private correspondence.
Doxing can open individuals up to intimidation and threats and increase the likelihood that others will attempt to harass the target as well.
Is Doxing Punishable by Law?
In New Mexico, doxing falls under the criminal statutes for harassment and stalking. New Mexico law (NM Stat. § 30-3A-2) defines harassment as knowingly pursuing a pattern of conduct that is intended to annoy, seriously alarm, or terrorize another person and that serves no lawful purpose. So if you share someone’s personal information with the intention of others using that information to send them degrading or threatening messages, you could face harassment charges.
New Mexico (NM Stat. § 30-3A-3) defines stalking as knowingly pursuing a pattern of conduct, without lawful authority, directed at a specific individual, with the intention that the pattern of conduct would place the individual in reasonable apprehension of death, bodily harm, sexual assault, confinement, or restraint. For a stalking charge, the statute requires at least two or more acts on more than one occasion to qualify as a pattern of conduct.
Penalties for Doxing
New Mexico considers a first-time conviction for both stalking and harassment a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor in New Mexico carries the potential of up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. New Mexico considers a second-time conviction for both stalking and harassment a fourth-degree felony. A fourth-degree felony in New Mexico carries the potential of up to 18 months in prison. Additionally, the court can impose a fine of up to $5,000.
When your freedom is at stake, you need an experienced attorney to represent your legal rights. Contact the New Mexico Criminal Law Offices today to schedule your free consultation.
How to Find a Lawyer to Help with a Doxing Arrest
If you receive a doxing arrest, you should contact a criminal charges defense attorney right away to start preparing a defense strategy. After a brief search, you will likely realize that dozens of attorneys offer criminal defense services in your area. How can you find the best attorney to help if you were arrested for doxing? There are a number of factors you should consider in selecting the lawyer you want to handle your case.
Experience
First, you need a lawyer with experience in the criminal justice system. Criminal cases and civil cases do not share the same qualities or characteristics. You will want to check the practice areas of potential lawyers and make sure they possess experience representing clients facing criminal charges. Attorney Jack Mkhitarian practices exclusively in the area of criminal defense and has handled over 1000 cases in the New Mexico District Courts, Metropolitan Court, and Magistrate and Municipal Court.
Prior Case Results
Another way to ensure a lawyer has experience representing criminal defendants is by checking the case results on their law firm website. Here, you should find reviews from former clients about the quality of their representation and whether their result was favorable. Make sure the results listed contain some criminal case results. Just because an attorney advertises as a criminal charges attorney does not mean they have actually worked many criminal cases. Check out our case results to see our extensive experience helping those facing criminal accusations.
Free Consultation
Many criminal charges defense lawyers offer a free consultation where you can provide a brief summary of your legal issues. This gives you the chance to meet the attorney and get a general feel for them personally, as well as how they handle their cases. For example, some attorneys will meet with you personally for this initial consultation, while others will leave you in the hands of an assistant. Along the same lines, some lawyers will handle your case personally, while some will pass it down to an associate or other member of the firm.
After getting arrested, you are likely at a low point in your life. You need personal assistance and attention, and you need a criminal charges defense lawyer who you feel will listen to your concerns and represent your rights aggressively. With our experience and knowledge of the New Mexico criminal system, we are confident in our ability to secure a favorable outcome in your case.
Arrested for Doxing in New Mexico? Contact Our Team of Experienced, Aggressive Criminal Charges Defense Attorneys
Since 1997, our lawyers at the New Mexico Criminal Law Offices have focused their efforts on defending the rights of individuals facing criminal accusations. We employ bold strategies and aggressive representation to achieve these goals. Instead of relying on plea agreements, we prepare as if every case is going to trial.
We know that every case presents its own unique challenges. For that reason, a one size fits all defense strategy is not feasible. We give each client our full attention and conduct a thorough investigation, making the prosecution meet every procedural and evidentiary hurdle. Our record of competency and preparedness commands the respect of prosecutors and judges. We will do everything we can to achieve a favorable outcome for your case. Contact our office today so we can get started on your case. Our lawyers look forward to serving you.