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STALKING INDEX ABUSE INDEX HAVEN OF HOPE LAW RESOURCES INDEX EMAIL LAWS INDEX MAIN INDEX
STALKING LAWS |
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This page below is a state by state listing of laws regarding the crime of stalking. After reading your states laws on stalking (below) you can also read your states cyberstalking laws by clicking here The current trend is for stronger, more effective stalker laws with better definitions, longer sentences and to include the crime of stalking via electronic communications equipment such as the Internet. With that in mind please note that it is virtually impossible to maintain a perfectly updated list of stalking laws. The following list should be used only as a starting point and to look for changes in these laws you should visit our laws page which allows you to check the most current information on laws around the world. Check for most current laws here. If you have questions or information to submit please contact LRFuzz1@aol.com |
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CHOOSE A STATE OR SCROLL DOWN TO FIND STATE STALKING LAWS
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Stalking Legislation: Article 5 Stalking and Aggravated Stalking
Section 13A-6-90. STALKING. 1992. "(a) A person who intentionally and repeatedly follows or harasses another person and who makes a credible threat, either express or implied, with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily harm is guilty of the crime of stalking. (b) The crime of stalking is a Class C felony."
Section 13A-6-91. AGGRAVATED STALKING. 1992. "(a) A person who violates the provisions of Section 13A-6-90(a) [Stalking] and whose conduct in doing so also violates any court order or injunction is guilty of the crime of aggravated stalking. (b) The crime of aggravated stalking is a Class B felony."
Section 13A-6-92. DEFINITIONS. 1992. "For purposes of this article [Article 5. Stalking and Aggravated Stalking] only: (a) COURSE OF CONDUCT. means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time which evidences a continuity of purpose.
(b) CREDITABLE [credible] THREAT. means a threat, expressed or implied, made with the intent and the apparent ability to carry out the threat so as to cause the person who is the target of the threat to fear for his or her safety or the safety of a family member and to cause a reasonable mental anxiety, anguish, or fear.
(c) HARASSES. means engages in an intentional course of conduct directed at a specified person which alarms or annoys that person, or interferes with the freedom of movement of that person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. the course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and must actually cause substantial emotional distress. Constitutionally protected conduct is not included within the definition of this term."
Section 13A-6-93. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CRIMINAL LAWS. 1992. "This article [Article 5. Stalking and Aggravated Stalking] shall not be construed to repeal other criminal laws. Whenever conduct prescribed by any provision of this article is also prescribed by any other provision of law, the provision which carries the more serious penalty shall be applied."
Section 13A-6-94. CONSTRUCTION. 1992. "This article shall be construed and, if necessary, reconstrued to sustain its constitutionality." |
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11.41.260. Stalking in the First Degree. (a) A person commits the crime of stalking in the first degree if the person violates AS 11.41.270 and (1) the actions constituting the offense are in violation of an order issued or filed under AS 18.66.100 - 18.66.180 or issued under former AS 25.35.010(b) or 25.35.020; (2) the actions constituting the offense are in violation of a condition of probation, release before trial, release after conviction, or parole; (3) the victim is under 16 years of age; (4) at any time during the course of conduct constituting the offense the defendant possessed a deadly weapon; (5) the defendant has been previously convicted of a crime under this section, AS 11.41.270, or AS 11.56.740, or a law or ordinance of this or another jurisdiction with elements similar to a crime under this section, AS 11.41.270, or AS 11.56.740; or (6) the defendant has been previously convicted of a crime, or an attempt or solicitation to commit a crime, under (A) AS 11.41.100 - 11.41.250, 11.41.300 - 11.41.460, AS 11.56.810, AS 11.61.120, or (B) a law or an ordinance of this or another jurisdiction with elements similar to a crime, or an attempt or solicitation to commit a crime, under AS 11.41.100 - 11.41.250, 11.41.300 - 11.41.460, AS 11.56.810, or AS 11.61.120, involving the same victim as the present offense. (b) In this section, "course of conduct" and "victim" have the meanings given in AS 11.41.270(b). (c) Stalking in the first degree is a class C felony. 11.41.270. Stalking in the Second Degree. (a) A person commits the crime of stalking in the second degree if the person knowingly engages in a course of conduct that recklessly places another person in fear of death or physical injury, or in fear of the death or physical injury of a family member. (b) In this section, (1) "course of conduct" means repeated acts of nonconsensual contact involving the victim or a family member; (2) "family member" means a (A) spouse, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece, of the victim, whether related by blood, marriage, or adoption; (B) person who lives, or has previously lived, in a spousal relationship with the victim; (C) person who lives in the same household as the victim; or (D) person who is a former spouse of the victim or is or has been in a dating, courtship, or engagement relationship with the victim; (3) "nonconsensual contact" means any contact with another person that is initiated or continued without that person's consent, that is beyond the scope of the consent provided by that person, or that is in disregard of that person's expressed desire that the contact be avoided or discontinued; "nonconsensual contact" includes (A) following or appearing within the sight of that person; (B) approaching or confronting that person in a public place or on private property; (C) appearing at the workplace or residence of that person; (D) entering onto or remaining on property owned, leased, or occupied by that person; (E) contacting that person by telephone; (F) sending mail or electronic communications to that person; (G) placing an object on, or delivering an object to, property owned, leased, or occupied by that person; (4) "victim" means a person who is the target of a course of conduct. (c) Stalking in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor. |
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Stalking Legislation: 13-2923 . Stalking; classification; definitions A. A person commits stalking if the person intentionally or knowingly engages in a course of conduct that is directed toward another person and if that conduct either: 1. Would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person's safety or the safety of that person's immediate family member and that person in fact fears for their safety or the safety of that person's immediate family member. 2. Would cause a reasonable person to fear imminent physical injury to or death of that person or that person's immediate family member and that person in fact fears imminent physical injury to or death of that person or that person's immediate family member. B. Stalking under subsection A, paragraph 1 of this section is a class 5 felony. Stalking under subsection A, paragraph 2 is a class 3 felony. C. For the purposes of this section: 1. "Course of conduct" means maintaining visual or physical proximity to a specific person or directing verba, written or other threats, whether express or implied, to a specific person on two or more occasions over a period of time, however short, but does not include constitutionally protected activity. 2. "Immediate family member" means a spouse, parent, child or sibling or any other person who regularly resides in a person's household or resided in a person's household within the past six months. Arizona also has laws prohibiting harassment and aggravated harassment. See §§13-2921 and §§13-2921.01 |
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Stalking Legislation: Section 5-71-229. STALKING. 1993. "(a)(1) A person commits stalking in the first degree if he purposely engages in a course of conduct that harasses another person and makes a terroristic threat with the intent of placing that person in imminent fear of death or serious bodily injury or placing that person in imminent fear of the death or serious bodily injury or his or her immediate family and he: (A) Does so in contravention of an order of protection consistent with the Arkansas Domestic Abuse Act of 1991, 9-15-101 et seq., protecting the same victim or victims, or any other order of protection issued by the court protecting the same victim or victims; or (B) Has been convicted within the previous ten (10) years of: (i) Stalking in the second degree; or (ii) violating 5-13-301 or 5-13-310; or (iii) Stalking or threats against another person's safety under the statutory provisions of any other state jurisdiction; or (C) Is armed with a deadly weapon or represents by word or conduct that he is so armed. (2) (A) The judicial officer in a court of competent jurisdiction shall, upon pretrial release of the defendant, enter an order consistent with Rules 9.3 and 9.4 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure and shall give notice to defendant of penalties contained in Rule 9.5 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure. (B) This protective order shall remain in effect during the pendency of any appeal of a conviction under subsection (a) of this section. (3) Stalking in the first degree is a Class B felony. (b)(1) A person commits stalking in the second degree if he purposely engages in a course of conduct that harasses another person and makes a terroristic threat with the intent of placing that person in imminent fear of death or serious bodily injury or placing that person in imminent fear of the death or serious bodily injury of his or her immediate family. (2) (A) The judicial officer in a court of competent jurisdiction shall, upon pretrial release of the defendant, enter an order consistent with Rules 9.3 and 9.4 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure and shall give notice to defendant of penalties contained in Rule 9.5 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure. (B) This protection order shall remain in effect during the pendency of any appeal of a conviction under subsection (b) of this section. (3) Stalking in the second degree is a Class C felony. (c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section whenever the actor is a law enforcement officer, licensed bail bondsman, or a store detective acting within the reasonable scope of his duty while conducting surveillance on an official work assignment. (d) For the purpose of this section: (1) (A) `Course of conduct' means a pattern of conduct composed of two (2) or more acts separated by at least thirty-six (36) hours but occurring within one (1) year. (B)(i) Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of `course of conduct'. (ii) If the defendant claims that he was engaged in a constitutionally protected activity, the court shall determine the validity of that claim as a matter of law and, if found valid, shall exclude that activity from evidence; (2) `Harasses' means acts of harassment as defined by 5-71-208; and (3) `Immediate family' means any spouse, parent, child, any person related by consanguinity or affinity within the second degree, or any other person who regularly resides in the household or who, within the prior six (6) months, regularly resided in the household." |
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Stalking Legislation: Penal Code 646.9. Stalking. (a) Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family, is guilty of the crime of stalking, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment, or by imprisonment in the state prison. (b) Any person who violates subdivision (a) when there is a temporary restraining order, injunction, or any other court order in effect prohibiting the behavior described in subdivision (a) against the same party, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years. (c) Every person who, having been convicted of a felony under this section, commits a second or subsequent violation of this section shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years. (d) In addition to the penalties provided in this section, the sentencing court may order a person convicted of a felony under this section to register as a sex offender pursuant to subparagraph (E) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 290. (e) For the purposes of this section, "harasses" means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person that seriously alarms, annoys, torments, or terrorizes the person, and that serves no legitimate purpose. This course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and must actually cause substantial emotional distress to the person. (f) For purposes of this section, "course of conduct" means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of "course of conduct." (g) For the purposes of this section, "credible threat" means a verbal or written threat or a threat implied by a pattern of conduct or a combination of verbal or written statements and conduct made with the intent to place the person that is the target of the threat in reasonable fear for his or her safety or the safety of his or her family and made with the apparent ability to carry out the threat so as to cause the person who is the target of the threat to reasonably fear for his or her safety or the safety of his or her family. It is not necessary to prove that the defendant had the intent to actually carry out the threat. The present incarceration of a person making the threat shall not be a bar to prosecution under this section. (h) This section shall not apply to conduct that occurs during labor picketing. (i) If probation is granted, or the execution or imposition of a sentence is suspended, for any person convicted under this section, it shall be a condition of probation that the person participate in counseling, as designated by the court. However, the court, upon a showing of good cause, may find that the counseling requirement shall not be imposed. (j) The sentencing court also shall consider issuing an order restraining the defendant from any contact with the victim, that may be valid for up to 10 years, as determined by the court. It is the intent of the Legislature that the length of any restraining order be based upon the seriousness of the facts before the court, the probability of future violations, and the safety of the victim and his or her immediate family. (k) For purposes of this section, "immediate family" means any spouse, parent, child, any person related by consanguinity or affinity within the second degree, or any other person who regularly resides in the household, or who, within the prior six months, regularly resided in the household. (l) The court shall consider whether the defendant would benefit from treatment pursuant to Section 2684. If it is determined to be appropriate, the court shall recommend that the Department of Corrections make a certification as provided in Section 2684. Upon the certification, the defendant shall be evaluated and transferred to the appropriate hospital for treatment pursuant to Section 2684. |
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Stalking Legislation: 18-9-111. Harassment - stalking. (1) A person commits harassment if, with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, he or she: (a) Strikes, shoves, kicks, or otherwise touches a person or subjects him to physical contact; or (b) In a public place directs obscene language or makes an obscene gesture to or at another person; or (c) Follows a person in or about a public place; or (d) Repealed. (e) Initiates communication with a person, anonymously or otherwise by telephone, in a manner intended to harass or threaten bodily injury or property damage, or makes any comment, request, suggestion, or proposal by telephone which is obscene; or (f) Makes a telephone call or causes a telephone to ring repeatedly, whether or not a conversation ensues, with no purpose of legitimate conversation; or (g) Makes repeated communications at inconvenient hours that invade the privacy of another and interfere in the use and enjoyment of another's home or private residence or other private property; or (h) Repeatedly insults, taunts, challenges, or makes communications in offensively coarse language to, another in a manner likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response. (1.5) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "obscene" means a patently offensive description of ultimate sexual acts or solicitation to commit ultimate sexual acts, whether or not said ultimate sexual acts are normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including masturbation, cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus, or excretory functions. (2) Harassment pursuant to subsection (1) of this section is a class 3 misdemeanor. (3) Any act prohibited by paragraph (e) of subsection (1) of this section may be deemed to have occurred or to have been committed at the place at which the telephone call was either made or received. (4) (a) In addition to the circumstances described in subsection (1) of this section, a person commits harassment by stalking if directly or indirectly through another person such person knowingly: (I) Makes a credible threat to another person and, in connection with such threat, repeatedly follows that person or a member of that person's immediate family; or (II) Makes a credible threat to another person and, in connection with such threat, repeatedly makes any form of communication with that person or a member of that person's immediate family, whether or not a conversation ensues. (b) For the purposes of this subsection (4): (I) "Credible threat" means a threat that would cause a reasonable person to be in fear for the person's life or safety or the safety of his or her immediate family; (II) "Immediate family" includes the person's spouse and the person's parent, grandparent, sibling, or child; (III) "In connection with" means acts occurring either before, during, or after the credible threat; and (IV) "Repeatedly" means on more than one occasion. (5) Where a person commits harassment by stalking under paragraph (a) of subsection (4) of this section, the following shall apply: (a) A person commits a class 6 felony for a first offense. (a.5) For a second or subsequent offense, if such offense occurs within seven years of the date of a prior offense for which such person was convicted, the offender commits a class 5 felony. (b) If, at the time of the offense, there was a temporary restraining order, injunction, or any other court order in effect against such person prohibiting the behavior described in subparagraph (I) or (II) of paragraph (a) of subsection (4) of this section, such person commits a class 6 felony. In addition, when a violation under subsection (4) of this section is committed in connection with a violation of a court order, including but not limited to any restraining order or any order that sets forth the conditions of a bond, any sentence imposed for such violation pursuant to this subsection (5) shall run consecutively and not concurrently with any sentence imposed pursuant to section 18-6-803.5 and with any sentence imposed in a contempt proceeding for violation of the court order. Nothing in this paragraph (b) shall be construed to alter or diminish the inherent authority of the court to enforce its orders through civil or criminal contempt proceedings; however, before a criminal contempt proceeding is heard before the court, notice of the proceedings shall be provided to the district attorney for the district of the court where the proceedings are to be heard and the district attorney for the district of the court where the alleged act of criminal contempt occurred. The district attorney for either district shall be allowed to appear and argue for the imposition of contempt sanctions. (6) A peace officer shall have a duty to respond as soon as reasonably possible to a report of stalking and to cooperate with the alleged victim in investigating such report. |
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Stalking Legislation: Sec. 53a-181c. Stalking in the first degree: Class D felony. (a) A person is guilty of stalking in the first degree when he commits stalking in the second degree as provided in section 53a-181d and (1) he has previously been convicted of this section or section 53a-181d, or (2) such conduct violates a court order in effect at the time of the offense, or (3) the other person is under sixteen years of age. (b) Stalking in the first degree is a class D felony. Sec. 53a-181d. Stalking in the second degree: Class A misdemeanor. (a) A person is guilty of stalking in the second degree when, with intent to cause another person to fear for his physical safety, he wilfully and repeatedly follows or lies in wait for such other person and causes such other person to reasonably fear for his physical safety. (b) Stalking in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor. Sec. 53a-181e. Stalking in the third degree: Class B misdemeanor. (a) A person is guilty of stalking in the third degree when he recklessly causes another person to reasonably fear for his physical safety by willfully and repeatedly following or lying in wait for such other person. (b) Stalking in the third degree is a class B misdemeanor. |
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Stalking Legislation: Title 11, Section 1312A. STALKING; CLASS F FELONY. 1992. "(a) Any person who wilfully, maliciously and repeatedly follows or harasses another person or who repeatedly makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or serious physical injury is guilty of the crime of stalking. (b) For the purposes of this section the following definitions are provided: (1) `Harasses' means a knowing and wilful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys or harasses the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and must actually cause substantial emotional distress to the person. (2) `Course of conduct' means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of `course of conduct'." (3) `Credible threat' means a threat made with the intent, and the apparent ability, to carry out the threat, so as to cause the person who is the target of the threat to reasonably fear for his or her safety. The threat must be against the life, or a threat to cause serious physical injury to a person." (c) In the event a person charged under this section is engaged in lawful labor picketing, there shall be a rebuttable presumptions that such person does not have the intent required under subsection (a) of this section. (d) Any person who violates subsection (a) of this section when there is a no contact order, temporary restraining order or injunction in effect prohibiting the behavior described in subsection (a) of this section against the same party shall be imprisoned for a period of not less than 6 months and fined not more than $1,000. (e) A subsequent conviction occurring within 7 years of a prior conviction under subsection (a) of this section against the same victim, and involving an act of violence or a credible threat of violence, as defined in this section shall be imprisoned for a period of not less than 1 year and fined not more than $1,000. (f) This section shall not apply to conduct which occurs in furtherance of law enforcement or private detective business. Private detective business is defined consistent with Chapter 13 of Title 24 of the Delaware Code. Stalking is a class F felony." |
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Stalking Legislation: Title 22, Section 504. ASSAULT OR THREATENED ASSAULT IN A MENACING MANNER. 1901. Amended 1993. "(a) Whoever unlawfully assaults, or threatens another in a menacing manner, shall be fined not more than $500 or be imprisoned not more than 12 months, or both. (b) Stalking -- Any person who on more than 1 occasion engages in conduct with the intent to cause emotional distress to another person or places another person in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury by willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly following or harassing that person, or who, without a legal purpose, willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person,is guilty of the crime of stalking and shall be fined not more than $500 or be imprisoned not more than 12 months, or both. Constitutionally protected activity, such as conduct by a party to a labor dispute in furtherance of labor or management objectives in that dispute, is not included within the meaning of this definition. (c) Any person who violates subsection (b) of this section when there is in effect a court order imposing a temporary restraining order, an injunction, a temporary protection order, civil protection order, stay-away or not contact order, civil restraining order or any combination thereof, prohibiting contact between that person and the individual who is the victim of the conduct described in subsection (b) of this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth therein and in addition shall be required to give bond, for a period not exceeding 1 year, to ensure compliance with the provisions of this section. (d) A second conviction occurring within 2 years of a first conviction for an offense under subsection (b) or (c) of this section, or for a similar offense under the law of any other jurisdiction, shall result in a fine of up to 1 1/2 times the maximum fines authorized for the offenses in subsections (b) and (c) of this section and imprisonment or a term of up to 1 1/2 times the maximum term of imprisonment authorized for the offense. If such person was previously convicted more than once of an offense described in subsection (b) or (c) of this section, such person may be subject to a fine of up to 3 times the maximum fines authorized for the offenses in subsections (b) and (c) of this section and imprisonment for a term of up to 3 times the maximum term of imprisonment authorized for each offense. No conviction with respect to which a person has been pardoned on the grounds of innocence shall be taken into account in applying this section. (e) For the purpose of this section, the term `harassing' means engaging in a course of conduct either in person, by telephone, or in writing, directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, frightens,or torments the person, or engaging in a course of conduct either in person, by telephone, or in writing, which would cause a reasonable person to be seriously alarmed, annoyed, frightened, or tormented." |
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Stalking Legislation: Section 784.048. STALKING; DEFINITIONS; PENALTIES. 1997. (1) As used in this section, the term: (a) "Harass" means to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress in such person and serves no legitimate purpose. (b) "Course of conduct" means a pattern a conduct composed of series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of "course of conduct." Such constitutionally protected activity includes picketing or other organized protests. (c) "Credible threat" means a threat made with the intent to cause the person who is the target of the threat to reasonably fear for his or her safety. The threat must be against the life of, or a threat to cause bodily injury to, a person. (2) Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person commits the offense of stalking, a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (3) Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person, and makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury, commits the offense of aggravated stalking, a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (4) Any person who, after an injunction for protection against repeat violence pursuant to s. 784.046, or an injunction for protection against domestic violence pursuant to s. 741.30, or after any other court-imposed prohibition of conduct toward the subject person that person's property, knowingly, willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person commits the offense of aggravated stalking, a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (5) Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses a minor under 16 years of age commits the offense of aggravated stalking, a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, so. 775.083, or s. 775.084. (6) Any law enforcement officer may arrest, without a warrant, any person he or she has probable cause to believe has violated the provisions of this section. |
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Stalking Legislation: 16-5-90. Stalking. (a) A person commits the offense of stalking when he or she follows, places under surveillance, or contacts another person at or about a place or places without the consent of the other person for the purpose of harassing and intimidating the other person. For the purpose of this article, the term "place or places" shall include any public or private property occupied by the victim other than the residence of the defendant. For the purposes of this article, the term "harassing and intimidating" means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which causes emotional distress by placing such person in reasonable fear of death or bodily harm to himself or herself or to a member of his or her immediate family, and which serves no legitimate purpose. This Code section shall not be construed to require that an overt threat of death or bodily injury has been made. (b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this Code section, a person who commits the offense of stalking is guilty of a misdemeanor. (c) Upon the second conviction, and all subsequent convictions, for stalking, the defendant shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than five years. 16-5-91. Aggravated Stalking. (a) A person commits the offense of aggravated stalking when such person, in violation of a bond to keep the peace posted pursuant to Code Section 17-6-110, temporary restraining order, temporary protective order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction or condition of pretrial release, condition of probation, or condition of parole in effect prohibiting the behavior described in this subsection, follows, places under surveillance, or contacts another person at or about a place or places without the consent of the other person for the purpose of harassing and intimidating the other person. (b) Any person convicted of a violation of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years and by a fine of not more than $10,000.00. 16-5-92. Applicability. The provisions of Code Sections 16-5-90 and 16-5-91 shall not apply to persons engaged in activities protected by the Constitution of the United States or of this state or to persons or employees of such persons lawfully engaged in bona fide business activity or lawfully engaged in the practice of a profession. 16-5-93. Right of victim to notification of release or escape of stalker. (a) The victim of stalking or aggravated stalking shall be entitled to notice of the release from custody of the person arrested for and charged with the offense of stalking or aggravated stalking and to notice of any hearing on the issue of bail for such person. No such notice shall be required unless the victim provides a landline telephone number other than a pocket pager or electronic communication device number to which such notice can be directed. (b) The law enforcement agency, prosecutor, or court directly involved with the victim at the outset of a criminal prosecution for the offense of stalking or aggravated stalking shall advise the victim of his or her right to notice and of the requirement of the victim's providing a landline telephone number other than a pocket pager or electronic communication device number to which the notice of custodial release or bail hearing can be directed. Such victim shall transmit the telephone number described in this subsection to the court and custodian of the person charged with stalking or aggravated stalking. (c) Upon receipt of the telephone number, the custodian of the person charged with stalking or aggravated stalking shall take reasonable and necessary steps under the circumstances to notify the victim of the person's release from custody. Such notice shall, at a minimum, include: (1) Prior to the person's release, placing a telephone call to the number provided by the victim and giving notice to the victim or any person answering the telephone who appears to be sui juris or by leaving an appropriate message on a telephone answering machine; and (2) Following the person's release, if the custodian is unable to notify the victim by the method provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, telephoning the number provided by the victim no less than two times in no less than 15 minute intervals within one hour of custodial release and giving notice to the victim or to any person answering the telephone who appears to be sui juris or by leaving an appropriate message on a telephone answering machine. (d) Upon receipt of the telephone number, the court conducting a hearing on the issue of bail shall take reasonable and necessary steps under the circumstances to notify the victim of any scheduled hearing on the issue of bail. Such notice shall, at a minimum, include placing a telephone call to the number provided by the victim prior to any scheduled hearing on the issue of bail. (e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section, a scheduled bail hearing or the release of the person charged with stalking or aggravated stalking shall not be delayed solely for the purpose of effectuating notice pursuant to this Code section for a period of more than 30 minutes. (f) Upon the person's release or escape from custody after conviction and service of all or a portion of a sentence, notification to the victim shall be provided by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles as set forth in Code Sections 42-9-46 and 42-9-47. (g) This Code section shall not apply to a custodian who is transferring a person charged with stalking or aggravated stalking to another custodian in this state. (h) As used in this Code section, the term "custodian" means a warden, sheriff, jailer, deputy sheriff, police officer, officer or employee of the Department of Juvenile Justice, or any other law enforcement officer having actual custody of an inmate. (i) A custodian or his or her employing agency shall not be liable in damages for a failure to provide the notice required by this Code section, but the custodian shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action including termination for such failure. |
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Stalking Legislation: Section 711-1106.5. HARASSMENT BY STALKING. 1992. "(1) A person commits the offense of harassment by stalking if, with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, or in reckless disregard of the risk thereof, that person pursues or conducts surveillance upon the other person: (a) Without legitimate purpose; and (b) Under circumstances which would cause the other person to reasonably believe that the actor intends to cause bodily injury to the other person or another, or damage to the property of the other person or another. (2) Harassment by stalking is a misdemeanor if the person harasses another by stalking on more than one occasion for the same or a similar purpose. Otherwise, harassment by stalking is a petty misdemeanor. (3) A person convicted under this section may be required to undergo a counseling program as ordered by the court." Section 711-1106. HARASSMENT. 1972. Amended 1992. |
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Stalking Legislation: 18-7905. STALKING -- DEFINITIONS -- PENALTIES. (a) Any person who willfully, maliciously and repeatedly follows or harasses another person or a member of that person's immediate family is guilty of the crime of stalking, and is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one (1) year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both such fine and imprisonment. (b) Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section when there is a temporary restraining order or an injunction, or both, in effect prohibiting the behavior described in subsection (a) of this section, against the same party, is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one (1) year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both such fine and imprisonment. (c) A second or subsequent conviction occurring within seven (7) years of a prior conviction under the provisions of this section against the same victim is a felony. (d) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Harasses" means a knowing and wilful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys or harasses the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress. (2) "Course of conduct" means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of this definition. |
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Stalking Legislation: Chapter 720, section 5/12-7.3. STALKING. 1992. Amended 1993. [FORM 38-12-7.3]. "(a) A person commits stalking when he or she, knowingly and without lawful justification, on at least 2 separate occasions follows another person or places the person under surveillance or any combination thereof and: (1) at any time transmits a threat to that person of immediate or future bodily harm, sexual assault, confinement or restraint; or (2) places that person in reasonable apprehension of immediate or future bodily harm, sexual assault, confinement or restraint. (b) Sentence. Stalking is a Class 4 felony. A second or subsequent violation is a Class 3 felony. (c) Exemption. This Section does not apply to picketing occurring at the workplace that is otherwise lawful and arises out of a bona fide labor dispute or any exercise of the right of free speech or assembly that is otherwise lawful. (d) For the purpose of this Section, a defendant `places a person under surveillance' by remaining present outside the person's school, place of employment, vehicle, other place occupied by the person, or residence other than the residence of the defendant. (e) For the purpose of this Section, "follows another person" means (i) to move in relative proximity to a person as that person moves from place to place or (ii) to remain in relative proximity to a person who is stationary or whose movements are confined to a small area. "Follows another person" does not include a following within the residence of the defendant. (f) For the purposes of this Section and Section 12-7.4, "bona fide labor dispute" means any controversy concerning wages, salaries, hours, working conditions, or benefits, including health and welfare, sick leave, insurance, and pension or retirement provisions, the making or maintaining of collective bargaining agreements, and the terms to be included in those agreements. Chapter 720, Section 5/12-7.4. AGGRAVATED STALKING. "(a ) A person commits aggravated stalking when he or she, in conjunction with committing the offense of stalking, also does any of the following: (1) causes bodily harm to the victim; (2) confines or restrains the victim; or (3) violates a temporary restraining order, an order of protection, or an injunction prohibiting the behavior described in [750-60/214(b)(1)] of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986." (b) Sentence. Aggravated stalking is a Class 3 felony. A second or subsequent conviction for aggravated stalking is a Class 2 felony. (c) Exemption. This Section does not apply to picketing occurring at the workplace that is otherwise lawful and arises out of a bona fide labor dispute, or any exercise of the right of free speech or assembly that is otherwise lawful. (d) For purposes of this Section, "bona faide dispute" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 12-7.3. For the Obscene Phone Call Act, which include harassment by telephone, see Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 720, sections 135/1 et seq. For restrictions on bail of a person charged with stalking, see Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 725, Sections 5/110-4 and 5/110-6.3. For mental health treatment for convicted stalkers, see Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 730, Section 5/3-14-5. |
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Stalking Legislation: Indiana Code 35-45-10 Chapter 10. Stalking IC 35-45-10-1 Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "stalk" means a knowing or an intentional course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment of another person that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened. The term does not include statutorily or constitutionally protected activity. IC 35-45-10-2 Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "harassment" means conduct directed toward a victim that includes but is not limited to repeated or continuing impermissible contact that would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress and that actually causes the victim to suffer emotional distress. Harassment does not include statutorily or constitutionally protected activity, such as lawful picketing pursuant to labor disputes or lawful employer-related activities pursuant to labor disputes. IC 35-45-10-3 Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "impermissible contact" includes but is not limited to knowingly or intentionally following or pursuing the victim. IC 35-45-10-4 Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "victim" means a person who is the object of stalking. IC 35-45-10-5 Sec. 5. (a) A person who stalks another person commits stalking, a Class D felony. (b) The offense is a Class C felony if at least one (1) of the following applies: (1) A person: (A) stalks a victim; and (B) makes an explicit or an implicit threat with the intent to place the victim in reasonable fear of: (i) sexual battery (as defined in IC 35-42-4-8); (ii) serious bodily injury; or (iii) death. (2) A protective order or other judicial order under any of the following statutes has been issued by the court to protect the same victim or victims from the person and the person has been given actual notice of the order: (A) IC 31-15, IC 31-16, IC 31-17, or IC 31-1-11.5 before its repeal (dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child support, and child custody). (B) IC 31-34, IC 31-37, or IC 31-6-4 before its repeal (delinquent children and children in need of services). (C) IC 31-32 or IC 31-6-7 before its repeal (procedure in juvenile court). (D) IC 34-4-5.1 (protective order to prevent abuse). (3) A criminal complaint of stalking that concerns an act by the person against the same victim or victims is pending in a court and the person has been given actual notice of the complaint. (c) The offense is a Class B felony if: (1) the act or acts were committed while the person was armed with a deadly weapon; or (2) the person has an unrelated conviction for an offense under this section against the same victim or victims. (d) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the court may enter judgment of conviction of a Class A misdemeanor and sentence accordingly if the court finds mitigating circumstances. The court may consider the mitigating circumstances in IC 35-38-1-7.1(C) in making a determination under this subsection. However, the criteria listed in IC 35-38-1-7.1(C) do not limit the matters the court may consider in making its determination. (e) Notwithstanding subsection (b), the court may enter judgment of conviction of a Class D felony and sentence accordingly if the court finds mitigating circumstances. The court may consider the mitigating circumstances in IC 35-38-1-7.1(C) in making a determination under this subsection. However, the criteria listed in IC 35-38-1-7.1(C) do not limit the matters the court may consider in making its determination. |
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| Iowa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stalking Legislation: 18-7905. STALKING -- DEFINITIONS -- PENALTIES. (a) Any person who wilfully, maliciously and repeatedly follows or harasses another person or a member of that person's immediate family is guilty of the crime of stalking, and is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one (1) year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both such fine and imprisonment. (b) Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section when there is a temporary restraining order or an injunction, or both, in effect prohibiting the behavior described in subsection (a) of this section, against the same party, is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one (1) year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both such fine and imprisonment. (c) A second or subsequent conviction occurring within seven (7) years of a prior conviction under the provisions of this section against the same victim is a felony. (d) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Harasses" means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys or harasses the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress. (2) "Course of conduct" means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of this definition. |
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Stalking Legislation: Section 21-3438. STALKING. 1996. (a) Stalking is an intentional, malicious and repeated following or harassment of another person and making a credible threat with the intent to place such person in reasonable fear for such person's safety. Stalking is a severity level 10, person felony. (b) Any person who violates subsection (a) when there is a temporary restraining order or an injunction, or both, in effect prohibiting the behavior described in subsection (a) against the same person, is guilty of a severity level 9, person felony. (c) Any person who has a second or subsequent conviction occurring against such person, within seven years of a prior conviction under subsection (a) involving the same victim, is guilty of a severity level 8, person felony. (d) For the purposes of this section: (1) "Course of conduct" means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose and which would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and must actually cause substantial emotional distress to the person. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of "course of conduct." (2) "Harassment" means a knowing and intentional course of conduct directed at a specific person that seriously alarms, annoys, torments or terrorizes the person, and that serves no legitimate purpose. (3) "Credible threat" means a verbal or written threat or a threat implied by a pattern of conduct or a combination of verbal or written statements and conduct made with the intent and the apparent ability to carry out the threat so as to cause the person who is the target of the threat to reasonably fear for such person's safety. The present incarceration of a person making the threat shall not be a bar to prosecution under this section. |
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| Kentucky | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stalking Legislation: Section 508.130. DEFINITIONS FOR KRS 508.130 TO 508.150. 1992. "As used in KRS 508.130 to 508.150, unless the context requires otherwise: (1)(a) To `stalk' means to engage in an intentional course of conduct: 1. Directed at a specific person or persons; 2. Which seriously alarms, annoys, intimidates, or harasses the person or persons; and 3. Which serves no legitimate purpose. (b) The course of conduct shall be that which would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial mental distress. (2) `Course of conduct' means a pattern of conduct composed of two (2) of more acts, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally- protected activity is not included within the meaning of `course of conduct.' If the defendant claims that he was engages in constitutionally protected activity, the court shall determine the validity of that claim as a matter of law and, if found valid, shall exclude that activity from evidence." Section 508.140. STALKING IN THE FIRST DEGREE. 1992. "(1) A person is guilty of stalking in the first degree, (a) When he intentionally: 1. Stalks another person; and 2. Makes an explicit or implicit threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of: a. Sexual contact as defined in KRS 510.010; b. Serious physical injury; or c. Death; and (b) 1. A protective order or other judicial order as provided for in KRS Chapter 403 has been issued by the court to protect the same victim or victims and the defendant has been served with the summons or order or has been given actual notice; or 2. A criminal complaint is currently pending with a court, law enforcement agency, or prosecutor by the same victim or victims and the defendant has been served with a summons or warrant or has been given actual notice; or 3. The defendant has been convicted of or pled guilty within the previous five (5) years to a felony or to a Class A misdemeanor, other than a violation of KRS 508.150, against the same victim or victims; or 4. The act or acts were committed while the defendant had a deadly weapon on or about his person. (2) Stalking in the first degree is a Class D felony." Section 508.150. STALKING IN THE SECOND DEGREE. 1992. "(1) A person is guilty of stalking in the second degree when he intentionally: (a) Stalks another person; and (b) Makes an explicit or implicit threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of: 1. Sexual contact as defined in KRS 510.010; 2. Physical injury; or 3. Death. (2) Stalking in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor." For Harassment, a violation, see Kentucky Code Section 525.070. For Harassing Communications, a Class B misdemeanor, see Kentucky Code Section 525.080. For Use of Obscene Language or Proposals on Telephone, see Kentucky Code Section 438.230. |
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| Louisiana | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stalking Legislation: Rev. Stat. Section 14:40.2. STALKING. 1992. Amended 1995. " A. Stalking is the willful, malicious, and repeated following or harassing of another person, with the intent to place that person in fear of death or serious bodily injury. B. (1) Whoever commits the crime of stalking may be imprisoned or not more than six months or fined not more than one thousand dollars, or both. (2) Any person who commits the offense of stalking and who is found by the trier of fact, whether the jury at a jury trial, the judge at a bench trial, or the judge at a sentencing hearing following a jury trial, beyond a reasonable doubt to have placed the victim of the stalking in fear of death or bodily injury by the actual use of or the defendant's having in his possession during the instances which make up the crime of stalking, a dangerous weapon shall be fined one thousand dollars or imprisoned with or without hard labor for one year, or both. Whether or not the defendant's use of or his possession of the dangerous weapon is a crime or, if a crime, whether or not he is charged for that offense separately or in addition to the crime of stalking shall have no bearing or relevance as to the enhanced sentence under the provisions of this Paragraph. (3) Any person who commits the offense of stalking against a person for whose benefit a protective order, a temporary restraining order or an injunction is in effect in either a civil or criminal proceeding, protecting the victims of the stalking from acts by the offender which would otherwise constitute the crime of stalking, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than thirty days and not more than one year and fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both. (4) Upon a second or subsequent conviction occurring within seven years of a prior conviction for stalking of the same victim, the offender shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than ninety days and not more than two years, and may be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both. C. For the purposes of this Section, the following words shall have the following meanings: (1) `Harassing' means engaging in a knowing and willful pattern of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, or distresses the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. The conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress and must actually cause substantial emotional distress to the person. (2) `Pattern of conduct' means a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing an intent to inflict a continuity of emotional distress upon the person. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of pattern of conduct." |
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| Maine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stalking Legislation: 17A § 210-A. Stalking 1. A person is guilty of stalking if: A. The person intentionally or knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at another specific person that would in fact cause a reasonable person: (1) To suffer intimidation or serious inconvenience, annoyance or alarm; (2) To fear bodily injury or to fear bodily injury to a member of that person's immediate family; or (3) To fear death or to fear the death of a member of that person's immediate family; and B. The person's course of conduct in fact causes the other specific person: (1) To suffer intimidation or serious inconvenience, annoyance or alarm; (2) To fear bodily injury or to fear bodily injury to a member of that person's immediate family; or (3) To fear death or to fear the death of a member of that person's immediate family. 2. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Course of conduct" means repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person or repeatedly conveying oral or written threats, threats implied by conduct or a combination of threats and conduct directed at or toward a person. For purposes of this section, "course of conduct" also includes, but is not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to personal, medical, financial or other identifying information, including access by computer network, mail, telephone or written communication. "Course of conduct" does not include activity protected by the Constitution of Maine, the United States Constitution or by state or federal statute. B. "Immediate family" means a spouse, parent, child, sibling, stepchild, stepparent or any person who regularly resides in the household or who within the prior 6 months regularly resided in the household. C. "Repeatedly" means on 2 or more occasions. 3. Stalking is a Class D crime for which the court shall impose a sentencing alternative involving a term of imprisonment of at least 60 days, of which 48 hours may not be suspended, and may order the actor to attend an abuser education program approved by the court, except that stalking is a Class C crime when the actor has 2 or more prior convictions for violations of this section, 2 or more convictions under Title 5, section 4659; Title 15, section 321; or Title 19, section 769 or 2 or more prior convictions for violations of any other temporary, emergency, interim or final protective order, an order of a tribal court of the Passamaquoddy Tribe or the Penobscot Nation, any similar order issued by any court of the United States or of any other state, territory, commonwealth or tribe or a court-approved consent agreement. The court shall impose a sentencing alternative involving a term of imprisonment, in the case of a Class C crime, of at least 6 months, of which 14 days may not be suspended, and may order the actor to attend an abuser education program approved by the court. For purposes of this subsection, the dates of both of the prior convictions must precede the commission of the offense being enhanced by no more than 10 years, although both prior convictions may have occurred on the same day. Stalking is not a Class C crime if the commission of the 2 prior offenses occurred within a 3-day period. The date of the conviction is determined to be the date that the sentence is imposed, even though an appeal was taken. The date of a commission of a prior offense is presumed to be that stated in the complaint, information, indictment or other formal charging instrument, notwithstanding the use of the words "on or about" or the equivalent. |
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| Maryland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stalking Legislation: Art 27, § 121A. Harassment. (a) In this section "course of conduct" means a persistent pattern of conduct, composed of a series of acts over a period of time, that evidences a continuity of purpose. (b) This section does not apply to any peaceable activity intended to express political views or provide information to others. (c) A person may not follow another person in or about a public place or maliciously engage in a course of conduct that alarms or seriously annoys another person: (1) With intent to harass, alarm, or annoy the other person; (2) After reasonable warning or request to desist by or on behalf of the other person; and (3) Without a legal purpose. (d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days or both. Art. 27, § 121B. Stalking (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) "Course of conduct" means a persistent pattern of conduct, composed of a series of acts over a period of time, that evidences a continuity of purpose. (3) "Stalking" means a malicious course of conduct that includes approaching or pursuing another person with intent to place that person in reasonable fear: (i) Of serious bodily injury or death; or (ii) That a third person likely will suffer serious bodily injury or death. (b) A person may not engage in stalking. (c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than 5 years or both. (d) A sentence imposed under this section may be imposed separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for any other offense based upon the act or acts establishing a violation of this section. |
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| Massachusetts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stalking Legislation: Chapter 265, Section 43. STALKING; PUNISHMENT. "(a) Whoever willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person and who makes a threat with the intent to place that person in imminent fear of death or serious bodily injury shall be guilty of the crime of stalking and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than two and one-half years or both. Such conduct, acts or threats described in this paragraph shall include, but not be limited to, conduct, acts or threats conducted by mail or by use of a telephonic or telecommunication devices including, but not limited to, electronic mail or by use of a telephonic or telecommunication device including, but not limited to, electronic mail, internet communications and facsimile communications. (b) Whoever commits the crime of stalking in violation of a temporary or permanent vacate, restraining, or no-contact order or judgment issued pursuant to sections [18, 34B, or 34C of chapter 208; or section 32 of chapter 209; or sections 3,4, or 5 of chapter 209A; or sections 15 or 20 of chapter 209C; or a temporary restraining order or preliminary or permanent injunction issued by the superior court, shall be punished by imprisonment in a jail or the state prison for not less than one year and not more than five years. No sentence imposed under the provisions of this subsection shall be less than a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of one year. A prosecution commenced under this section shall not be placed on file or continued without a finding, and the sentence imposed upon a person convicted of violating any provision of this subsection shall not be reduced to less than the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment as established herein, nor shall said sentence of imprisonment imposed upon any person be suspended or reduced until such person shall have served the mandatory term of imprisonment. A person convicted of violating any provision of this subsection shall not, until he shall have served the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment established herein, be eligible for probation, parole, furlough, work release, or receive any deduction from his sentence for good conduct under sections [129, 129C and 129D of chapter 127]; provided, however, that the commissioner of correction may, on the recommendation of the warden, superintendent, or other person in charge of a correctional institution, grant to said offender a temporary release in the custody of an officer of such institution for the following purposes only: to attend the funeral of next of kin or spouse; to visit a critically ill relative or spouse; or to obtain emergency medical services unavailable at said institution. The provisions section [87 of chapter 276] relating to the power of the court to place certain offenders on probation shall not apply to any person seventeen years of age or over charged with a violation of this subsection. The provisions of section [31 of chapter 279] shall not apply to any person convicted of violating any provision of this subsection. (c) Whoever, after having been convicted of the crime of stalking, commits a second or subsequent such crime shall be punished by imprisonment in a jail or the state prison for not less than two years and not more than ten years. No sentence imposed under the provisions of this subsection shall be less than a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of two years. A prosecution commenced hereunder shall not be placed on file or continued without a finding, and the sentence imposed upon a person convicted of violating any provision of this subsection shall not be reduced to less than the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment established herein, nor shall said sentence of imprisonment imposed upon any person be suspended or reduced until such person shall have served said mandatory term of imprisonment. A person convicted of violating any provision of this subsection shall not, until he shall have served the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment established herein, be eligible for probation, parole, furlough, work release, or receive any deduction from his sentence for good conduct under sections [129, 129C and 129D of chapter 127]; provided, however, that the commissioner of correction may, on the recommendation of the warden, superintendent, or other person in charge of a correctional institution, grant to said offender a temporary release in the custody of an officer of such institution for the following purposes only: to attend the funeral of next of kin or spouse; to visit a critically ill close relative or spouse; or to obtain emergency medical services unavailable at said institution. The provisions of section [87 of chapter 276] relating to the power of the court to place certain offenders on probation shall not apply to any person seventeen years of age or over charged with a violation of this subsection. The provisions of section [31 of chapter 279] shall not apply to any person convicted of violating any provision of this section. For the offense of placing annoying telephone calls, see Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, section 14A. |
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| Michigan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stalking Legislation: Sec. 411h. (1) As used in this section: (a) "Course of conduct" means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of 2 or more separate noncontinuous acts evidencing a continuity of purpose. (b) "Emotional distress" means significant mental suffering or distress that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling. (c) "Harassment" means conduct directed toward a victim that includes, but is not limited to, repeated or continuing unconsented contact that would cause a reasonable individual to suffer emotional distress and that actually causes the victim to suffer emotional distress. Harassment does not include constitutionally protected activity or conduct that serves a legitimate purpose. (d) "Stalking" means a willful c |