What is the punishment for online impersonation involving an electronic mail that references identifying information belonging to any person?

The appropriate punishment for online impersonation involving an electronic mail that references identifying information belonging to any person is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. This classification is significant within the legal framework as it specifies the severity of the offense. A Class A misdemeanor typically entails serious repercussions, including potential jail time of up to one year and fines that can reach up to $4,000, reflecting the seriousness of using someone's identifying information without their consent.

Online impersonation is treated with particular concern due to the potential harm it can inflict on individuals, such as identity theft, fraud, and various forms of harassment. The law aims to deter such behavior by assigning a significant penalty to those who engage in it, thereby reinforcing the importance of personal privacy and security in the digital space.

In contrast, the other classifications like the 3rd degree felony, Class B misdemeanor, and State jail felony represent different levels of offenses, which may involve different circumstances or severity, and are not applicable in the context of online impersonation as defined here. The framework surrounding these legal classifications helps to ensure that penalties are proportionate to the nature of the offense.