Other actions that may constitute criminal harassment include looking at someone at work or at home, or taking pictures of them without permission. A person may also be considered stalking if they threaten to harm the victim or their friends, family members, or even pets if they don`t do what the stalker wants. Harassment is in Pennsylvania 18 Pa law. S.C.A. § 2709.1. The law states that a person commits the crime of criminal harassment if they: If a person faces harassment charges, they may face a difficult situation. Criminal harassment charges require a strong defence. Allegations of criminal harassment often boil down to the word of the alleged victim versus the accused. This can be difficult to defend in court. When you`re facing charges as serious as harassment or harassment, you need someone to fight for you.
If you are charged with any of these crimes, contact our lawyers today. Here are some examples of behaviours that may be considered stalking: When a person describes allegations of harassment, an image is often evoked in the mind of a veiled figure following the home of an unfortunate victim. In reality, however, allegations of criminal harassment can arise from a number of different circumstances. In fact, a person may behave in a behaviour that may lead them to have accusations of harassment without realizing it. Things like contacting a person repeatedly or showing up at their place of residence to contact them can become accusations of harassment, even if the defendant did not mean to harm with their actions. These situations can be aggravated if an accused has been charged with domestic violence or if a PFA (Protection from Abuse) order has been filed against them. Although harassment and stalking are considered separate crimes in Pennsylvania, both can carry harsh penalties. A conviction for these crimes can result in fines, jail time, probation, and previous convictions, not to mention the impact it can have on your ability to find work and housing.
Whether you are a victim or have been charged, defense lawyers recommend consulting with a lawyer to make sure your rights are protected. First, they can ask for “protection from abuse.” This is a document that allows the police to arrest the alleged harasser, even if they did not witness the harassment firsthand. While criminal harassment has criminal consequences, a person can also face consequences for ongoing family law disputes, such as divorce settlements or custody disputes. Often, allegations of criminal harassment stem from misunderstandings between two people. Here are some examples of situations that can lead to criminal harassment charges: Criminal harassment is considered a serious crime under Pennsylvania law. It is classified as a first-degree offense, meaning those convicted of criminal harassment face up to five years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. The crime of criminal harassment has two components. First, the defendant must have committed “conduct” by committing two or more undesirable acts. Second, the victim must have had a well-founded fear of serious bodily harm or severe emotional distress as a result of the defendant`s actions.
If you are accused of harassment or harassment, you know that you have the right to the assistance of a defence lawyer. You have the right to a trial. The state must prove the evidence against you beyond a doubt, and the jury must agree that you are guilty. You are not guilty just because you are accused or accused. Harassment is a term used in many different contexts and can mean different things to different people. In Pennsylvania, stalking is a crime that can have serious consequences for those convicted. Note: State laws are constantly changing – please consult a Pennsylvania law enforcement attorney or conduct your own legal research to review the state laws you have researched. Criminal harassment is often blamed on separated partners and spouses. Victims of criminal harassment generally apply for injunctions (also called protection orders) to prevent offenders from entering. A restraining order is an official court document that usually requires the accused to stay away from the victim, the victim`s home or workplace, and often to cease all communication with the victim. Criminal harassment can be carried on different levels, depending on a person`s criminal history in relation to the crime.