Words cannot express how grateful I am to you...
- Wendy C. 
Domestic Stalking Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles 
Stalking / Threatening
Stalking is threatening or harassing another person to the point of causing that individual to fear for his or her safety. Stalking is a serious crime, but it is often based on false allegations. Individuals facing stalking charges under Penal Code 646.9 would be well- advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles domestic violence defense attorney to discuss their case and protect their rights.
California Stalking Law and Domestic Abuse
California has some of the harshest penalties for stalking in the country. California Penal Code 646.9 defines a stalker as "any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or willfully and maliciously 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."
While stalking is probably best known for cases involving celebrities, it can also involve domestic abuse cases. Harassing or threatening someone you used to have a relationship with, is a form of domestic abuse stalking. Something as simple as following an ex-wife or girlfriend can result in a stalking allegation. Charges may also result from repeatedly driving to someone's home, giving unwanted gifts or making frequent unwanted contacts.
Penalties For Stalking
The severity of the punishment for stalking depends upon the specifics of the case and the criminal history of the suspect. A charge may become a felony if the charges are connected to stalking a person who has a court-issued protective order against you or stalking someone whom you have previously stalked or threatened.
Misdemeanor penalties for stalking include an informal probation, up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, a restraining order and required counseling. Felony stalking charges may result in a formal probation, 16 months to five years in state prison, a $1,000 fine, a restraining order, required counseling and depending on the circumstances, possible lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Defending Stalking Charges
Prosecutors must prove that the defendant willfully, maliciously and repeatedly followed or harassed another person. There also must be a credible threat against the victim and the threat must have specific intent. Was the defendant following the "victim" with the mistaken intention of providing protection? Did the defendant purposely commit a wrongful act with the intention to annoy, disturb or injure the plaintiff? Did the defendant ever present a credible threat? By showing the criminal history of the defendant and explaining the suspect's side of the story, stalking charges may be lessened or thrown out with the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The Los Angeles domestic abuse defense attorneys at Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP know how to prove that a threat was not credible or intentional. We work hard to have our client's charges reduced or dismissed. If you are facing stalking allegations in Los Angeles, please call our offices immediately to discuss your rights and to start building your defense strategy.
If you have been arrested for a domestic stalking offense in Los Angeles then please call us immediately for a FREE CONSULTATION at (888) 579-4844.
Please Click HERE for the Location of a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Near You
NEARBY OFFICES IN LOS ANGELES, ORANGE AND VENTURA COUNTIES.
HIRE A LOCAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY!
PLEASE CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - REASONABLE FEES
PLEASE CALL US IMMEDIATELY!
OUR 24-HOUR PHONE NUMBER IS (888) 579-4844
Domestic Violence Resource Center
- Los Angeles Domestic Violence FAQs
- Alcohol and Domestic Abuse Defense Lawyers in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Child Abuse Defense Attorneys
- Los Angeles Domestic Violence Consequences and Penalties
- Los Angeles Elder Abuse Defense Lawyers
- Domestic Physical Abuse Defense Lawyers in Los Angeles
- Spousal Abuse Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles
- Domestic Stalking Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Domestic Violence Resources
