Darien Stalking Lawyer

As in other states, lawmakers in Connecticut have enacted statutes defining the crime of stalking. The crime is unique in that it is not a single act, but instead a repetition of certain behaviors, such as waiting for someone to arrive at their home, or placing repeat phone calls, when these acts are undertaken to intimidate another or make them fear they may be in danger. This continued harassment is considered criminal behavior and can have serious legal consequences. If you have been charged with stalking, retain the services of a Darien stalking lawyer that can build your case. A skilled harassment attorney can work to create a compelling argument in your defense, in order to fight for you.

Connecticut’s Legal Definition of Stalking

There are three different degrees of Stalking under Connecticut law. The behavior that is considered stalking in each of these statutes is similar, but there are different circumstances that increase or decrease the severity of the offense.

Different Degrees of Stalking

Stalking in the second-degree is essentially defined as intentionally engaging in a course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their physical safety or their job or career. A course of conduct includes behavior patterns such as following, waiting for, watching, communicating with, sending unwanted gifts to, or interfering with the property of another.

If such conduct causes fear in another but the conduct is committed recklessly rather than intentionally, the crime may be considered stalking in the third-degree under CGS 53a-181e, a lesser offense.

On the other hand, if the individual committing the acts has previously been convicted of stalking in the first or second-degree, or the conduct violates a court order, or the individual put in fear by the course of action is under the age of 16, then the behavior can be treated as stalking in the first-degree.

Updates to Connecticut Stalking Laws

Changes in technology prompted Connecticut lawmakers to revise statutes defining the crime of stalking. They added terms describing behavior that can be considered a “course of conduct” that may be classified as stalking. The end result is that not only phone calls but email and text messages may also contribute toward a stalking charge. There is also a new crime on the books called Electronic Stalking which involves stalking by using a GPS or other real-time monitoring device. If a person has any questions about changes to Connecticut’s stalking laws, they should consult a knowledgeable Darien stalking attorney that can answer their questions.

Relation Between Stalking and Domestic Violence

Although many people in Darien only associate stalking with celebrities being harassed by overzealous fans, most stalking cases involve the domestic disputes of ordinary people. For instance, an individual might stand outside a place of business waiting for a former partner to arrive at work each day.

An experienced Darien stalking lawyer will know that when charged with stalking under CGS 53a-181, these patterns of behavior can cause serious consequences that include incarceration, heavy fines, and more.

Jail Penalties for Stalking Arrests

First-degree stalking is treated as a Class D felony in Connecticut. In addition to the stigma of a felony conviction, those found guilty face up to five years of imprisonment and a fine as high as $5,000.

Stalking in the second degree is considered a Class A misdemeanor, which means that the maximum penalty includes up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. And the statutes classify third-degree stalking as a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1,000. A determined Darien stalking attorney can attempt to mitigate the penalties that an individual may face.

Contacting a Darien Stalking Attorney

The course of behavior that justifies an arrest for stalking could be conduct committed with no intent to cause fear or actions undertaken by a third party without a clear understanding of the ramifications.

Because the statutes are written to cover such a broad range of behavior, it can be difficult to defend against a charge of stalking. It is vital for anyone charged with stalking to contact a Darien stalking lawyer that can build a solid defense based on the circumstances of your particular case.