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Clarkston Stalking Lawyer

Common behaviors like calling someone on the telephone may be used as evidence of stalking under certain circumstances. Convictions on such charges carry significant penalties, but a Clarkston stalking lawyer can fight by your side for the best possible outcome. If you are facing stalking charges, it may be beneficial to speak with a seasoned criminal defense attorney who can study your case and help you prepare for a potential trial.

Stalking Defined

Stalking is defined in Michigan Penal Code §750.411h (1)(d) as willful repeated or continuing harassment that is meant to threaten, intimidate, or frighten another person. Harassment is conduct directed towards someone that would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress.

Such conduct often involves non-consensual contact, which means continually contacting a person after they have expressed a desire to be left alone. Sometimes stalking charges come with allegations of sex crimes. Contact without consent might include commonplace activities, like making an unwarranted phone call or email. Harassment laws do not prohibit contact made for constitutionally protected or legitimate reasons.

When Does Harassment Become Stalking?

Harassment becomes stalking when the behaviors in question are repeated for purposes of intimidating or terrorizing someone. Intimidation may qualify as assault in some cases. Frequent late-night phone calls, following someone home, or continually sending a person threatening messages are all examples of behavior that police might consider stalking.

The difference between harassment, stalking, and legal behavior is not always clear, but police and prosecutors often take accusations seriously and may attempt to charge an accused person with the most serious offense possible. An experienced Clarkston stalking attorney can review your case and evaluate whether appropriate charges were filed based on the evidence.

Possible Defenses to Stalking

Available defenses in a stalking case depend on the specific facts of the case. If applicable, knowledgeable legal counsel may be able to argue on your behalf that:

  • You were engaged in constitutionally protected speech
  • The contact in question was consensual
  • Messages or phone calls were not threatening
  • There was a legitimate reason for the behavior, such as common coincidence
Potential Penalties for Stalking

Like available defenses, penalties for stalking in Clarkston depend on the circumstances. In most cases, stalking is usually a misdemeanor punishable up to one year of jail and a fine of not more than $1,000.

However, in some cases, stalking may carry stiffer penalties. If the alleged victim is a minor or has a restraining order against the accused, then stalking is a felony with up to five years of prison time and a $10,000 fine. Likewise, if law enforcement believes that an accused person made credible threats, these harsher felony penalties might apply.

Some circumstances may be considered aggravated stalking, leading to enhanced penalties. Even misdemeanor charges can result in lifelong consequences. However, a stalking defense lawyer in Clarkston may be able to help you fight for a positive outcome no matter what specific charge you face.

A Clarkston Stalking Attorney Can Be a Compelling Advocate

Stalking laws can be vague and confusing, especially given how aggressively law enforcement often pursues these types of charges. A Clarkston stalking lawyer may be able to offer valuable advice and be your dedicated advocate in the courtroom. Call today to arrange a consultation.

Call Today! FREE Consultation Lawyer and Receive Immediate Attention for Your Criminal Law Case Patrick T. Barone is a Michigan Super Lawyer, who has maintained continuous top attorney ratings since 2007. In addition, the Michigan native is the author of multiple books on OWI, DUI and criminal law. The OUIL attorney near me has lectured at over 80 legal seminars all over America. He leads Barone Defense Firm in providing aggressive legal warriors for each client's criminal case.

Contact us 24 hours a day at our law firm’s easy to remember toll-free number, 1-877-ALL-MICH or 877-255-6424, for a free criminal case review. The Michigan attorneys near me at Barone Defense Firm travel the entire Great Lakes State, to help citizens in legal trouble in Michigan for alleged criminal law violations.

For your FREE lawyer consultation, call today to learn how to protect yourself from a possible unwarranted conviction. What do you have to lose, when the free legal advice with our litigation team’s criminal lawyers near me can answer many tough questions?

Client Reviews
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Patrick Barone is the ONLY choice for DUI defense. He was realistic from the start and made it a point to look at my case before taking my money. As a business owner, when I think of attorneys, I think of the "shark infested waters. Patrick is a shark alright, but his prey is not the client; it's justice for his client. Ten stars Patrick!! Chris F.
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Attorney Patrick Barone was very helpful and helped me understand the charge and sentence absolutely clearly. He also guided me through step by step helping me form a statement. His instructions were clear and detailed. It was obvious he cared about me understanding every important detail within my case. I would absolutely recommend this defense firm to anyone in need. Aaron B.
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The Barone Defense Firm is the firm I recommend. They are truly concerned about the person, not just the legal issue, but the person as well. They are the most knowledgeable defense firm that I am aware of, having actually written the book on DWI Defense. If you are faced with a DWI you will not find a more professional and skilled law firm. But, most importantly, they care about how the accused individual recovers his or her life when the case is complete. Very remarkable group of lawyers. William H.