Harassment and Stalking Charges are More Serious Than You Might Believe

If you or someone you love is charged with stalking or harassment you need to take immediate action and contact Wimmer Criminal Defense. Harassment and stalking charges are more serious than you might believe and carry significant consequences which not only threaten your liberty, but will impact many aspects of the quality of your life.

Anyone convicted of harassment or stalking charges face the potential of a prison sentence, as well as heavy fines, probation and a permanent criminal record. The nature of these charges and the presence of a criminal record will have an impact on the rest of their life, from job applications to housing options and even the ability to obtain a loan or the credit to purchase a car or furnishings for your home.

Harassment and stalking are two separate charges. These charges are based upon circumstances and behaviors and the prosecution must prove, beyond any reasonable doubt, that the behavior of the person accused of the crime fulfills every specification within the associated law. Harassment is based upon the intention to “harass, annoy or alarm” another person or group, and requires the presence of at least one of the following:

1. Striking, shoving, kicking or otherwise initiating physical contact or threatening to do so
2. Following a person in and around one or more public locations
3. Repeated actions or conduct which served no legitimate purpose
4. Repeated communications with another person, communications at extremely inconvenient hours or any form of repeated attempts to communicate
5. Communication with another person using “lewd, lascivious, threatening or obscene words, language, drawings or caricatures.”

Stalking requires a “course of conduct” or repeated communications which expressed, demonstrated or involved specific actions with the intent of placing another person in a reasonable fear of bodily injury or the infliction of substantial emotional distress.

Harassment and stalking charges are more serious than you might believe and require an aggressive criminal defense to achieve a positive outcome. We invite you to review the recommendations of our clients and contact Wimmer Criminal Defense or call 215-712-1212 for a free consultation.