Were You Arrested for Stalking?

Hire the Right Oakland County Criminal Defense Attorney

Stalking is a criminal offense that is treated seriously in the courts. If you are charged with stalking, you need an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney to assist you with your case. Attorney Emily Long has tried over 50 criminal cases and has a solid record of successful case results. Call (888) 510-8182 for a free initial consultation!

Understanding Your Stalking Charge

"Stalking" is defined as the willful course of conduct that involves repeated harassment of another individual. In stalking cases, the victim feels terrorized, scared, intimidated, threatened, molested, or harassed. Stalkers generally must harass a victim over an extended period of time or attempt to make contact with a victim repeatedly. After a pattern has been established, the alleged stalker can be arrested and charged.

At Long Law PLLC, we understand that stalking is somewhat of an emotional situation. An alleged victim may claim that he or she is being stalked when you have not attempted to make contact or have not intentionally harassed the individual. We know that the testimonies may be subjective and we want to advocate on your behalf in hopes of proving your innocence.

Misdemeanor Stalking Charges

Misdemeanor stalking involves offenses such as:

• Repeatedly contacting a victim through mail
• Repeatedly contacting a victim online
• Habitually approaching a victim in a public place
• Approaching a victim on private property
• Relentlessly following a person
• Contacting a person repeatedly by telephone
• Delivering an object to a victim

According to the Michigan Penal Code, misdemeanor stalking can lead to the following penalties:

• Up to one year in prison
• Possible fines up to $1,000
• 5 years in prison (for stalking a minor)
• $10,000 in fines (for stalking a minor)

Felony Stalking Charges in Michigan

Misdemeanor stalking can turn into a felony charge if one of the following is true:

• The action violated an existing restraining order
• The action violated probation, parole or a pre-trial release
• The offense involved a threat against the victim, victim's family or another individual living with the victim
• The accused already has a stalking conviction on his or her record

Individuals who are charged with felony stalking face up to 5 years in prison and could pay fines up to $15,000. Individuals can also face additional probation. If the victim is under the age of 18 and you are charged with a felony stalking offense, your jail time may be doubled.

Contact a criminal defense attorney today if you want more information about the firm and how we can help you to challenge the prosecution in your case.