Being accused of a criminal offense is a difficult experience. Especially when it is a charge like harassment or stalking, which may involve what you thought was a personal situation. But now the law is involved, and you have to go to criminal court and defend yourself.
The stalking and harassment laws in Indiana are designed to protect the victim from potential harm. Because they are made with the victim in mind you may feel that you are being treated unfairly.
It is now that you need a skilled defense attorney with you, ensuring your rights are protected and that you are being treated fairly in the Indiana criminal justice system. Whether you did something you now regret, or are completely innocent of the charges against you, we can help you sort through the system.
It is our job to look out for your best interest. When involved in the legal system you need an advocate working on your behalf, let us be that advocate.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation on any Indiana harassment or stalking offense.
Indiana Harassment Laws & Penalties
Harassment is a charge that involves unwanted action or contact taken against an alleged victim.
If you are charged and convicted of this Class B misdemeanor, you may face up to 180 days in jail and fines reaching $1,000.
You may be charged with harassment if you do any of the following with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person:
- Make a telephone call
- Communicate by mail, telegraph or other written communication
- Transmit obscene messages, or indecent or profane words on a citizens radio
- Communicate via computer network
Indiana Stalking Laws
Under Indiana law, stalking is defined as a knowing or intentional conduct involving the repeated harassment of another person that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorizes, frightened, intimidates, or threatened and actually causes the victim to feel those things.
Generally, stalking is a Class D felony punishable by 6 months to 3 years in prison and fines reaching $10,000. However, there are circumstances where stalking can be elevated to a more serious charge.
Indiana Class C felony Stalking – Penalties
Carries a potential sentence of 2-8 years in prison and involves stalking:
- That involves threat and puts the victim in fear of sexual battery, serious bodily injury, or death,
- In violation of a protective order, no contact order to protect the alleged victim,
- In violation of a pretrial release, or bond violation, or
- In violation of probation.
Indiana Class B felony Stalking – Penalties
Carries a potential sentence of 6-20 years in prison and:
- Was committed with the use of a deadly weapon, or
- You have an unrelated conviction for stalking the same individual.
All felony sentences have potential fines reaching up to $10,000.
Get Legal Help with a Harassment or Stalking Charge in Indiana
Facing harassment or stalking charges in Indiana is a serious matter. No one wants to spend time in jail or even prison and we know you are likely worried about that prospect. We can help increase your chance at a positive outcome in court and will do our best to aggressively defend your good name.
Call for a consultation with an experienced Indiana criminal defense lawyer on your stalking or harassment case today.