California Stalking Charge Attorneys
The term stalker conjures up disturbing images — persons tormenting their victims by maintaining a constant, shadowy presence or by calling repeatedly on the telephone, making thinly veiled threats. And while rejected lovers or ex-spouses are capable of behaving in a desperate manner which constitutes stalking or harassment, often rational persons may unknowingly violate the terms of a restraining order and find themselves charged with harassment.
Harmon & Harmon in Riverside, California, defends clients charged with such behaviors — whether executed unknowingly or out of desperation. To find out how we can help mitigate the possibility of serious penalties, contact our firm today and schedule a free initial consultation.
Charges of Harassment and Stalking
Quite often harassment charges stem from not knowing the full terms of a restraining order. Many times well-meaning individuals, believing themselves to be respecting a former spouse’s wishes by not calling or visiting, send e-mails to communicate. Yet restraining orders encompass all forms of communication and with a cyber trail now created, they can be difficult to defend. More vindictive forms of harassment can be viewed as criminal or terrorist threats and can result in a felony charge.
Stalking generally relates to obsessively observing or following another person to the point where it becomes an invasion of privacy. Sometimes it is driven by jealousy or occurs following a break-up or divorce. Caught up temporarily in their obsessive state, stalkers lose sight of the fact that their behavior is not reasonable. Our firm represents clients who have been charged with stalking other persons.
California’s Three Strikes Law and Serious Consequences
If you have any prior criminal offenses on your record, the consequences of a conviction for harassment or stalking can be even more severe. If the conviction is your third strike, you may be facing life imprisonment. Fortunately, if you live in Southern California, the law firm of Harmon & Harmon can represent you in your harassment case and work to lessen the severity of the consequences or have your case dismissed altogether.
If you have been charged with a crime such as stalking or harassing another individual, the best way to ensure that your rights will be protected and that your options remain open is to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. If you are in Southern California, rely upon the sure, solid experience of Harmon & Harmon. Contact us today to obtain a free initial consultation.
