Stalking Defense Lawyer Philadelphia

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Stalking is a commonly coined word that has caused a range of misconceptions about what the crime actually entails. While many acts of stalking involves following someone, there are other forms of stalking that do not just involve the physical nature of trailing an individual. Repeated phone calls; a flood of texts, emails and social media posts; and unwelcoming gifts in ways that will scare or harass an individual are all distinctive features of stalking. Every stalking case is unique, and in the event that you are charged with this offense you must make sure your side of the story comes out clearly.

Philadelphia Stalking Defense LawyerStalking is a serious crime. While the law does not definitively address when actions turn from unappreciated behavior into a crime, prosecutors and police will generally investigate and subsequently determine if that someone’s unappreciated behavior amounts to stalking. While many of us may associate stalking with the idea of a strange person who obsessively follows and contacts Hollywood stars, most courts see stalking as one person repeatedly receiving undesired aggressive advances from a romantic pursuer. Even seemingly innocuous gestures, such as sending flowers or texting a person to wish them a happy birthday, can be viewed as stalking, when they show a pattern.

Stalking is a commonly coined word that has caused a range of misconceptions about what the crime actually entails. While many acts of stalking involves following someone, there are other forms of stalking that do not just involve the physical nature of trailing an individual. Repeated phone calls; a flood of texts, emails and social media posts; and unwelcoming gifts in ways that will scare or harass an individual are all distinctive features of stalking. Every stalking case is unique, and in the event that you are charged with this offense you must make sure your side of the story comes out clearly.

In today’s digital world, when Facebook, Twitter, email, and text messages are at the tip of one’s fingers, it is easy to say what is on your mind immediately. The ease with which one person can infiltrate another’s life is therefore greater than any other point in modern history. Repeated use of these avenues to contact another may amount to stalking. However, given the relatively subjective nature of interpreting these contacts, it is important to retain counsel to ensure prosecutors, police, and the courts understand the true nature of these communications.

If you have been accused of stalking, you need to retain counsel who will make sure that your feelings and your interpretation of events are heard. Given potential ramifications of a Stalking Charge, or a related Protection from Abuse (PFA) order, you need to take decisive action to quickly defend yourself from your accuser. If you don’t, you could end up the victim of false accusations. The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. can help.

What Is Stalking?

Stalking, under Title 19, Chapter 27 of the Pennsylvania Criminal Code, occurs when one person:

  1. Engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts toward another person, including following the person without proper authority, under circumstances which demonstrate either an intent to place such other person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or to cause substantial emotional distress to such other person, or
  2. Engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly communicates to another person under circumstances which demonstrate or communicate either an intent to place such other person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or to cause substantial emotional distress to such other person

The bottom line: If you repeatedly take certain actions towards, or communicate in a certain way with, another person that shows you intend to either make them fear for their safety or severely emotionally upset them, you can be found guilty of stalking. The statute recognizes that repeated contacts are needed to trigger stalking offenses when it says, “engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly…” This is essential to differentiating between an isolated incident, which likely won’t amount to a crime, and the crime of stalking.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for Stalking or Harassment?

Stalking is a Misdemeanor of the first degree, and a first offense can carry up to five years in prison. The effects of a stalking charge or a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order filed against you can negatively affect your career as well. These charges can then be seen by employers conducting background checks, and can appear on the internet as well. It is important to fight these charges with the full force of the law.

The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. will do everything it can to discredit negative evidence, and show your case to be the “he-said, she-said” scenario that it likely is. This is a Criminal Charge and the burden of proof is on the prosecution. They need to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In a situation that amounts to two different opinions and perspectives, it is unlikely they will be able to meet this burden. But you need to act quickly, before it’s too late. Call The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. today to Schedule a Free Consultation with one of our Criminal Defense Associates.