Consequences of Stamford Second-Degree Harassment Charges

Being charged with a severe harassment offense can be intimidating to face without the legal advice of an established second-degree harassment attorney. A lawyer could help you try combatting potential penalties and consequences of Stamford second-degree harassment charges. Consequences of a record can be just as impactful as legal penalties depending on the offense one is charged with. It may be imperative to speak with someone who can help.

Classifying Harassment Offenses

Second-degree harassment is a Class C misdemeanor in Stamford, which means it is punishable by up to three months in prison and up to one year on probation with a permanent misdemeanor conviction on a person’s record. The deciding judge has complete discretion when sentencing the person. There is a maximum penalty for second-degree harassment in Stamford, which is three months in prison and a $500 fine as well as one year on probation.

Expected Treatment of Repeated Intimidation Charges

A repeated offense of harassment does not have a mandatory minimum sentence in Stamford, but it is likely to make the case more difficult to fight in court. This means that a person is more likely to have a conviction on their record if they are charged for a second offense.

For the first offense, a person might be able to avail themselves of a court diversionary program, but that is only offered to a defendant once every ten years. If they are brought to court for the same charge within that decade, they are not able to take advantage of that program and they will face a possible conviction if they cannot get their case dismissed.

Common Consequences for Second-Degree Harassment

A second-degree harassment arrest can impact someone’s life in several ways. If a person works in the public sector, their arrest can be discoverable on any sort of background check performed by an employer or potential employer, and a person can face losing their job if their employer finds out about the arrest. They also can face a conviction on their record for a Class C misdemeanor, which would make it difficult for them to find a job in the future as well.

How May Consequences Impact the Accused Long-Term?

The main long-term consequences of Stamford second-degree harassment charges is having a permanent misdemeanor conviction on their record. This can stop them from getting employment in the future, can cause them to lose their employment, it could affect education, and could affect immigration status.

It is difficult to secure future employment after a second-degree harassment arrest, and it can also be difficult for someone who is applying to schools for higher education. Typically, an arrest or conviction must be disclosed on job or school applications, and can negatively affect chances of being accepted.

When to Reach Out to an Attorney

A person should obtain legal help for potential consequences of Stamford second-degree harassment charges anytime they are contacted by the police department. They should contact an attorney because the attorney can help navigate the investigation and can help them try to avoid an arrest. If the police already have an arrest warrant and they arrest that person, then that person should immediately contact legal help to try to discuss the case prior to going to court. It is best to enter court with a game plan in mind.

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