What You Need to Know About Being Charged with Stalking
Stalking is a very serious offense and a stalking charge can have major effects on your life. If you’ve been charged with stalking, you need to make sure you are informed. The more you know about your charge, the better you can understand and respond to the situation.What is Considered Stalking?
The first thing you need to understand is what actually qualifies as stalking. In California, stalking is defined as any instance of threatening or harassing an individual to the point where they are fearful for their safety. Stalking can include physically following someone or being near them, but it can also include texts, emails, and social media. A stalker might damage the person’s property or even send unwanted gifts. Generally, if the victim feels threatened or fearful in any way, then you can be charged with stalking.The Consequences
Not all charges of stalking will come with the same consequences as it depends on your specific situation. However, there are a few general possibilities. With a federal charge of stalking, you can face jail time as well as some hefty fines. In some cases, it’s also possible to be registered as a sex offender. This is something that will follow you throughout your life and it can have major impacts on your personal and professional life. In fact, any consequences you face could impact your personal life as well as your job. Many people charged with stalking can also end up with a restraining order.Why Hire an Attorney
Whatever your situation may be, hiring an attorney is probably your best bet. Navigating these cases on your own can be confusing, complicated, and you run the risk of making mistakes. An attorney is highly experienced and they will know exactly what to do in order to help you. They are familiar with the exact definitions of your charges and they can find technicalities to better your chances. Your attorney will also know what the best defense for your case will be. It’s their job to look out for the smaller details that can make a big difference for you. Being charged with stalking can have major repercussions on your life. If you’ve been charged, you need to make sure you understand what you’ve been charged with and what will happen next. Were you charged with stalking? Click here to find an attorney to help you with your case.
Bradley Corbett
Bradley Corbett is a criminal defense attorney in San Diego. He graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo Utah in 2004. Later he enrolled at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego where he participated in a prestigious internship program with the Los Angeles County Public Defender. Since then he has handled over 2,000 cases.