Contacting Without Permission Legal

Summary

In Kentucky, looking up and contacting someones personal information online without permission is generally legal but can be considered unethical. Persistent or unwelcome contact may lead to harassment or stalking charges under KRS 525.070 and KRS 508.130-150. Using the information for theft, exposure, or bullying can result in criminal charges. Always consider privacy and potential distress when contacting others.

Full Conversation

James
Hi James! How can I assist you with your legal issue today?
I live in louisville ky
Hi James! How can I assist you with your legal issue today?
Is it a crime to look up someone's personal contact info online and immediately contact them without permission?
Hi James,
In Kentucky, it's generally not a crime to look up someone's contact info online and contact them. However, if your contact is unwelcome and persistent, it could be considered harassment or stalking.
- **Harassment (KRS *.*)**: Making an alarming or seriously annoying contact.
- **Stalking (KRS *.*-*)**: Repeatedly following or contacting someone in a way that causes fear.
Please be cautious and respectful when contacting others.
Do you need information on reporting harassment or stalking?
Even without permission?
Hi James,
Yes, even without permission, it might not be a crime initially. However, if the contact becomes unwelcome and persistent, it can escalate to harassment or stalking.
- **Harassment (KRS *.*)**: Alarming or seriously annoying contact.
- **Stalking (KRS *.*-*)**: Repeated contact causing fear.
Do you need information on reporting harassment or stalking?
So not a crime unless if I use it for theft, exposure or bullying?
Hi James,
Yes, that's correct. Simply looking up and contacting someone without permission isn't usually a crime. However, using the information for theft, exposure, or bullying can lead to criminal charges.
- **Harassment (KRS *.*)**: Alarming or seriously annoying contact.
- **Stalking (KRS *.*-*)**: Repeated contact causing fear.
Would you like more information on any specific aspect?
So that action is legal but unethical?
Hi James,
Yes, looking up and contacting someone's personal information without permission may be legal, but it can be considered unethical. Ethical considerations often involve respect for privacy and the potential for causing distress.
Would you like more information on ethical guidelines or legal consequences related to privacy?
So that action is always unethical?
Hi James,
Determining whether an action is always unethical depends on context and intent. Generally, contacting someone without permission can be seen as disrespectful and intrusive. It's best to consider the individual's privacy and whether your contact may cause them distress.
Would you like more information on ethical guidelines or specific legal consequences in Kentucky?