Examples of Stalking in California
The following behaviors could result in a person filing stalking charges against another:
- Repeated, unwanted phone calls, texts, messages, etc.
- Observing, following, or “coincidentally” showing up wherever that person goes
- Vandalism, or destruction of their personal property
- Breaking into their home or automobile
- Waiting outside their class, job, home, etc.
Penalties for Stalking in California
California has strict laws in regards to stalking. Depending on the details of the case, a person accused of stalking can be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony offense. Some of the factors that could make the difference include the location of the stalking, the defendant’s criminal history and whether or not the crime relates to domestic violence, or if the victim already had a restraining order against the defendant.
If you’ve been charged with stalking in Orange County, CA, you need to take immediate steps to protect your rights. A conviction for misdemeanor stalking charges could cost you up to a year in county jail and a fine of up to $1000. The penalties for a felony stalking conviction are up to three years in state prison, along with fines.
There may be other consequences as well. Depending on the circumstances, you may have a restraining order placed against you, be ordered to register as a sex offender, or face additional charges if the stalking involved a violent crime, domestic violence, or a property offense.
Defenses Against Stalking Charges
Your family, friends, and co-workers have probably advised you to hire an Orange County, CA stalker defense attorney to represent you. Listen to them! A conviction for stalking could have a serious impact on the rest of your life, making it difficult to get a job, start a business, or attend the school you want.
Contact the law office of Jim Tanizaki without delay. Jim Tanizaki is a former Orange County DA turned criminal defense attorney. He knows the strategies the state will employ to get a conviction in your case. The prosecution must show that you had an intent to place the victim in “reasonable fear” of their safety. In most instances, there are many effective defense tactics that could be used to get the stalking charges against you reduced or even dropped, including:
- You had no intent to instill fear in the victim
- Your encounters with the victim were unexpected
- The threats you made were not credible
- Your conduct is protected by the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution
- Mistaken identity/false accusation
Reach Out to Orange County CA Stalking Defense Attorney Jim Tanizaki.
There’s no such thing as an airtight case. Contact the law office of Jim Tanizaki using our website, or call us at (714) 655-7633 to schedule a free confidential initial consultation with a leading Orange County, CA criminal defense attorney.