Stalking Defense Attorney Serving Lynnwood

How Is Stalking Categorized As A Crime?

You can be charged with stalking if you have been physically following or harrassing another person, or if you have been repeatedly contacting them via telephone or online. According to Washington law, stalking is defined as:

"A person commits the crime of stalking if, without lawful authority and under circumstances not amounting to a felony attempt of another crime: (a) He or she intentionally and repeatedly harasses or repeatedly follows another person; and (b) The person being harassed or followed is placed in fear that the stalker intends to injure the person, another person, or property of the person or of another person. The feeling of fear must be one that a reasonable person in the same situation would experience under all the circumstances."

An accusation of stalking should not be taking lightly. Stalking has many aspects to it that need to be investigated by a competent domestic violence defense attorney who is experienced with this kind of case. The crime itself is categorized as a Gross Misdemeanor or a Class C Felony, depending on the circumstances. This could mean imprisonment up to 5 years, fines up to $10,000, or both.

You need help from a qualified domestic violence defense lawyer who has experience, knowledge and the resources to plan a strong defensive strategy. There are many defenses that can be used on your behalf. Oftentimes we can challenge whether the person claiming stalking reasonably feared an intent to injure. Without direct threats, this is a very difficult element for the prosecuting to prove.

Similarly, sometimes people end up at the same place at the same time by accident. Maybe you were just driving by the neighborhood and your ex saw you and called the police. The prosecution must prove you were deliberately attempting to stalk in order for you to be convicted and we will do everything within our power to prevent this from happening. We will find your best defense.

A Former Prosecutor Knows The Ropes

One of our attorneys is a former prosecutor for the City of Lynnwood. This experience has given him insight that others do not have. We know the right questions to ask when dealing with the prosecution, what kinds of information to look for, and how to challenge the evidence being used against you.