Harassment is a pattern of intrusion into another person’s private life that is unreasonable, substantial, and intentional that has no legitimate purpose and would likely cause a reasonable person to suffer mental or emotional distress under similar circumstances. If you have been charged with harassment or stalking you need an experienced Greenville stalking and harassment attorney in your corner.
The Charge of Harassment
The charge of harassment can be First or Second Degree depending on the circumstances. Harassment in the First Degree occurs when there is a pattern of intentional, substantial, and unreasonable intrusion into the private life of a targeted person that serves no legitimate purpose and causes the person and would cause a reasonable person in his position to suffer mental or emotional distress.
Harassment in the First Degree may include, but is not limited to:
- following the targeted person as he moves from location to location;
- visual or physical contact that is initiated, maintained, or repeated after a person has been provided oral or written notice that the contact is unwanted or after the victim has filed an incident report with a law enforcement agency;
-
surveillance of or the maintenance of a presence near the targeted person’s:
- (a) residence;
- (b) place of work;
- (c) school; or
- (d) another place regularly occupied or visited by the targeted person; and
- vandalism and property damage.
Harassment in the Second Degree also involves a pattern of intentional, substantial, and unreasonable intrusion into the private life of a targeted person but is a lesser charge that may include, but is not limited to, verbal, written, or electronic contact that is initiated, maintained, or repeated.
The penalties for harassment and stalking vary depending on the severity of the conduct, the existence of a restraining order, and prior convictions for harassment or stalking.
If you are facing a harassment charge, turn to an accomplished criminal defense lawyer today.
The Charge of Stalking
The charge of stalking in South Carolina requires a pattern of words, whether verbal, written, or electronic, or a pattern of conduct that serves no legitimate purpose and is intended to cause and does cause a targeted person and would cause a reasonable person in the targeted person’s position to fear:
- death of the person or a member of his family;
- assault upon the person or a member of his family;
- bodily injury to the person or a member of his family;
- criminal sexual contact on the person or a member of his family;
- kidnapping of the person or a member of his family; or
- damage to the property of the person or a member of his family.
A conviction for stalking carries up to 15 years in prison depending upon the circumstances of the offense and the history of the alleged offender.
Consult with an Experienced Greenville Stalking and Harassment Attorney Today
Cindy Crick Law is trusted to serve the Upstate of South Carolina in stalking and harassment cases. I have the experience and legal insight to mount a strong defense on your behalf in pursuit of the best possible case outcome for you. For more information about what I can do to help, please do not wait to contact me online or call 864-775-5788 today.
