Update: What Do You Think Of Lori Drew’s Misdemeanor Convictions?
In case you haven’t heard, Lori Drew - the 49-year-old woman who played some role in creating a fake MySpace page to harass 13-year-old Megan Meier (harassment that eventually ended when the “fake” MySpace user told Meier the world would be a better place without her, and the already depressed Meier committed suicide) - was not convicted of felony charges related to the case. She was instead convicted of three misdemeanor charges of accessing a computer without authorization.
I don’t even know what that means. I mean, was the woman not using her own computer? Apparently it had something to do with the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Again, that’s why I’m not a lawyer.
Anyway, for each misdemeanor she could get a year in prison and have to pay a $100,000-fine.
I don’t know anything about a sentencing date (or if she’s already been sentenced) - nothing I’ve read has indicated anything, so, feel free to update me if you know.
In the meantime, now that the conviction process is over, what do you think? Did Lori Drew get off easy, or was her conviction fair? Or, do you feel like her attorney, who isn’t satisfied with the jury’s decision and feels no charges should have been brought forth at all?
Converse!
Image: Newscom
Tags: Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, criminals and mental health, cyber bullies, Depression, Lori Drew, Megan Meir, mental health, mental health blog, mental health news, mental health website, MySpace, online harassment, SuicidePOSTED IN: Government & Politics
6 opinions for Update: What Do You Think Of Lori Drew’s Misdemeanor Convictions?
chato
Nov 28, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I know this sounds unfair, but I no lawyer but it might come down to if she meant to cause her death. I don’t agree with it but I believe now that she has a conviction that the civil suit will be able to seek damages far more decisive.
Lauren
Nov 28, 2008 at 1:12 pm
I think she should have been charged with negligent homicide or something. She was only charged for being dishonest on myspace. What about her obvious intent to deceive and destroy. Kids will be kids and she had no business interferring with children quarrels. That’s what’s wrong with parents today they want to be their kids friend instead of parents. She needs to be institutionalized and taught the difference.
Michele Rosenthal
Nov 28, 2008 at 1:43 pm
This was a big discussion at our Thanksgiving table! Here’s the bottom line as it was explained to me:
1. the case is going to be appealed on the basis/agrument that no one reads the terms of agreement before they agree to them. (imagine not being held accountable for harassing a fragile teen just because ‘no one else reads the agreements either.’ unbelievable. as if the agreement has anything to do with the principle of someone harassing someone else. you shouldn’t have to read any terms of agreement to know this would not be the right thing to do.)
2. if she gets off, this will set a precedent for how we all access sites. (you know those ‘terms of agreement’ we all agree to without reading? well, they’ll be some fallout and revamping there!)
Cat_Tongue_Catcher
Dec 6, 2008 at 5:04 pm
First of all - the Jury didn’t have enough evidence to convict on the felony charges. And they hung on the more serious charge of conspiracy. - Which leaves it open to be re-tried again.
Second - This case is one like other sensationlized cases - where you can’t sit on the sideline with no opinion. Having said that, I don’t think that Lori Drew will ever understand what the damage she has caused.
Finally, no one seems to be talking bout LD’s daughter - and her role in it - as well as Ashley Grillis. They seem to get a “free pass” on responsibility. And the anger will eventually subside. LD will regain some sense of normalicy of her life - once the criminal stuff is out of the way.
Degs
Dec 30, 2008 at 9:19 pm
She should abosolutely face a murder charge, because that is what she commited an unadulterated murder, there is no wa y around it, she murdered that child, i think it is outrageous that anyone should get away with such a pathetic charge after causing something like this, she directly caused the death of another human being…
owl
Jan 2, 2009 at 1:37 pm
The question I have had is: “why did Lori Drew not just do what most parents do… talk to the other child’s parents?”
I am sorry but this woman went way out on a limb of intentional deceit and planned to wreck the girls live whom she did. This is not much different than the mom who was going to shoot another cheerleader for her daughter. All this woman seems to understand is to act as a half wit vigilante and she should have more than just a misdemeanor conviction… she should be doing time and tons of community service…let alone some mandatory counselling…
what a LOSER of a mother and human
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