What types of acts constitute criminal Harassment or Stalking?
Basically, the crime of harassment is committed when a person engages in conduct that causes someone to feel “frightened, threatened oppressed, persecuted, or intimidated ….” The crime of harassment can be charged as a gross misdemeanor or felony depending on the type of conduct, the age of the victim, the use of a weapon, and whether the harassment is based upon certain immutable characteristics such as race, sex, national origin, or disability.
What is a Harassment Restraining Order violation?
A victim of harassment or stalking can petition the court for a special order to prohibit the perpetrator of the harassment or stalking from a broad range of conduct, including conduct that would otherwise be legal in the absence of a special order. But violation of a harassment restraining order is a crime. Each time someone violates such an order, the consequences are more severe.
What is the crime of Interference with Privacy?
Interference with privacy has evolved far beyond windows peepers. It now covers the use of any device to observe, photograph, record, amplify or broadcast a person inside their home or other place where privacy is reasonably expected. The act must be done surreptitiously and the actor must intend to intrude upon a person’s privacy or interfere with a person’s privacy.
What is a Terroristic Threat?
A terroristic threat is not limited to a threat of mass destruction. A terroristic threat can be almost anything from bomb threats intended to cause the evacuation of a building to displaying a BB gun in a threatening manner to a single individual.
What should I do if I am charged with a crime or if I believe I am being investigated?
Harassment, stalking, terroristic threats and crimes related to privacy can be serious charges with severe consequences. It is important to discuss your rights, potential defenses and case strategies with an experienced defense attorney as soon as you are charged or if you believe that you may be under investigation. Early preparation by an experienced defense lawyer can increase your chances of a favorable outcome, including the possibility of charges being dropped.
