Stalking & Harassment Lawyer in Marin County
In California, stalking and harassment laws carry the potential for significant, life-altering consequences. For example, someone convicted of stalking and/or harassment could be ordered to serve time in prison, being forced to register as a sex offender, and being haunted by a permanent criminal record.
Examples of actions that could lead to being charged with stalking and/or harassment include:
- Repeatedly showing up at someone’s residence, place of work, or other location.
- Repeatedly sending aggressive or threatening email messages.
- Regularly making harassing phone calls.
- Regularly sending unsolicited notes, text messages, or gifts to someone.
These types of actions could be considered stalking, or harassment, under California law. Considering the serious penalties associated with a stalking or harassment conviction, someone charged with stalking or harassment should retain the services of an experienced Marin County harassment defense attorney.
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Is There a Difference Between Stalking and Harassment
Yes. Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 646.9 (e), someone can be charged with harassment if they knowingly and willfully engage in conduct that “alarms or terrorizes a person and serves no legitimate purpose” resulting in substantial emotional distress on the part of the victim.
In contrast, someone can be charged with stalking when they “willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly” follow, or willfully and maliciously harasses, another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family, according to California Penal Code Section 646.9 (a).
Penalties for Stalking in Marin County
A stalking conviction in Marin County carries serious penalties. For example, a defendant convicted of stalking may be ordered to serve up to one year in jail and pay a fine of up to $1,000. In addition, a defendant may be ordered to attend mandatory counseling sessions, be subject to a restraining order, and have to register as a sex offender (if the stalking involved an element of sexual compulsion or sexual gratification).
The penalties are even harsher for someone who engages in stalking in violation of a temporary restraining order or other court order prohibiting harassing, threatening, and stalking behaviors against another individual.
Due to the serious nature of these potential penalties, you should retaining a competent stalking defense attorney in Marin County.
Start Your Stalking & Harassment Defense Today!
If you are looking for stalking lawyers or a top-notch harassment defense lawyer, then contact the Law Offices of Kevin Heaney today. Kevin is an experienced harassment defense attorney who has helped numerous clients fight criminal harassment charges, in addition to felony stalking charges in California.
Kevin is a respected trial lawyer with over two decades of experience navigating the complexities of California’s criminal justice system. To learn more about your legal options, contact Kevin today.