When you are charged with “stalking” it is usually because someone believes you have willfully and repeatedly harassed them. This doesn’t only mean the old fashioned view of it either. We are long since past the days and nights of people being accused of parking a car outside a house. While there are two sides to every story, especially when it comes to a romantic couple, when you are accused of stalking it may feel like your voice isn’t being heard.
One of the most popular stalking charges these days is considered “cyberstalking”. Although, some people might find harassment online can be a pretty vague charge. The threat has to be against the life of, or a threat to cause bodily harm to, a person. There is a fine line between receiving annoying messages and threatening ones. Social media has turned this into tricky mine field of accusations. Of course it doesn’t matter how it is done, since both online and offline stalking can be viewed as illegal. Most stalking charges are misdemeanors, but there is a chance that it can lead to a year in prison. Felony stalking charges can bring up to 5 years in prison, especially if the circumstances involve stalking a minor. Also, a preexisting court injunction against the accused or a preexisting stalking conviction can enhance the punishment
If you are being accused of stalking it is nothing to brush off. You are going to need a defense attorney with experience in handling these type of charges.