Norwalk Second-Degree Harassment Lawyer

A Norwalk second-degree harassment lawyer can review the circumstances and determine the best approach to defend against charges in your case. Working with an experienced and top harassment attorney can help you minimize the adverse consequences and move forward.

What Should I Know About Harassment Laws?

Connecticut prohibits harassment in two separate criminal statutes, harassment in the first and second degrees. The first of these is a felony, while second-degree harassment is a misdemeanor.

Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-183 defines three different ways an individual can be found guilty of harassment in the second degree. All three situations involve communications made over the phone or through written words.

How Can a Phone Call Warrant a Charge?

When someone places a phone call with the intent to harass, alarm or annoy another person, they may be guilty of second-degree harassment. According to C.G.S. 53a-183(a)(3), there is no need for the phone call to include any conversation for a violation to occur. Therefore, repeatedly calling and hanging up may be criminal with the propert intent.

A Norwalk second-degree harassment attorney may be able to prove a call was accidental or made with other intent.

How Can My Language on the Phone Constitute Harassment?

Under C.G.S. 53a-183(a)(1), you can be convicted of second-degree harassment if you use certain types of language in a phone call with another person. Language over the phone that is “obscene” or “indecent” can subject a person to criminal liability.

This can seem almost ridiculous since police certainly do not arrest everyone who uses obscene language on the phone. However, if an individual is charged with this offense, they can face conviction and criminal penalties.

Can Someone Be Harassed Through Written Communications?

You can also be convicted of harassment in the second degree for communicating via written mediums “with the intent to harass, annoy or alarm” someone. C.G.S. 53a-183(a)(2) prohibits communications made this with this intent if the communications are made through the mail, fax, computer, or “any other form of written communication.”

A second-degree harassment lawyer in Norwalk can work to seek evidence to show that the person communicating lacked the intent to annoy or alarm. It is wise to gather evidence as soon as possible after the incident leading to the charges.

What Are the Penalties for Second Degree Harassment?

Harassment in the second degree is a Class C misdemeanor. If you are convicted, you could be sentenced to as much as three months in jail. Additionally, the court could require you to pay a fine as high as $500.

You may find, however, that the consequences of having a conviction on your record create even more problems in the long run. A criminal conviction can make people think twice about offering job opportunities or housing. Even personal relationships can suffer.

Work with a Norwalk Second Degree Harassment Attorney

Working with an experienced Norwalk second degree harassment lawyer can help you avoid these problems and enable you to reach a positive outcome. To learn more about how Mark Sherman Law help in your case, call today.