Hampton Roads Stalking Penalties
If you have been accused of stalking, it is important that you speak with a distinguished attorney immediately. Hampton Roads stalking penalties can be severe and can have lifelong ramifications. Work with a criminal attorney who could examine the charges that have been brought against you and work with you to create a strong defense. Contact an experienced stalking lawyer today and know that you are in capable hands.
Harassment and Trespassing
Harassment refers to a wide range of behaviors. Harassment refers to behavior that is repetitive and disturbing. It can include incessant text messages and phone calls, amongst other behaviors. Stalking cases often include harassment. If an individual tells another person to stop subjecting them to a specific behavior and they continue, they could receive harassment penalties in addition to Hampton roads stalking penalties.
Trespassing is another behavior that is closely linked to stalking. Trespassing is when an individual enters another person’s property without their consent. It is not uncommon for an individual to harass another person and then enter their property.
Information Lawyers Need to Defend A Case
The information a person should have when speaking with an attorney about stalking charges is as follows:
- What transpired
- If there were behavioral patterns
- What type of behavior was involved
- Their relationship with the plaintiff
Discussing this type of behavior would enable a lawyer to determine if they are at risk of facing any Hampton Roads stalking penalties.
Different Hampton Roads Stalking Penalties
The penalties a person may face if convicted of stalking in Hampton Roads differ. If it is an individual’s first time committing a stalking offense, they could be convicted of a Class One misdemeanor, which carries up to 12 months in jail and up to a $2,500 fine. If a person is convicted of a subsequent offense within five years of that first offense, they could be convicted with a Class Six felony which carries up to five years in prison.
Can Penalties Increase in Severity?
Conditions in which the penalties for a stalking charge may become more severe are when the person has been previously convicted of stalking and then is convicted of another stalking charge. Such behavior leads the court to believe that a defendant has not learned their lesson and does not take the consequences of stalking seriously.
In addition, if an individual has prior charges or convictions which are not related to stalking, the courts may view them as a troublesome person and increase their Hampton Roads stalking penalties.
What is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection is an order issued by the courts advising that an individual who stalked another must not contact them in any way. They are not allowed to talk to the plaintiff, be around the plaintiff, or message the plaintiff. They are also not allowed to contact the plaintiff indirectly through a friend or family member. If a person is convicted of harassment charges and stalking, it is almost certain that the alleged victim will be granted an order of protection.
Benefits of a Stalking Lawyer in Hampton Roads
If you have been accused of stalking, contact a criminal lawyer immediately. Hampton Roads stalking penalties can be severe in nature. It is important to work with an attorney who has experience handling these types of cases. A qualified attorney could examine all the charges that have been brought against you and determine how to help you with your case. Let a skilled defense attorney protect your rights.
