Stalking Charges In Texas

Stalking Defense Attorney In Houston TX

Stalking is a criminal offense in Texas that can result in significant penalties that can range from jail time to fines.

Stalking in Texas is defined as intentionally or knowingly engaging in a course of criminal conduct that harasses or alarms another person. Stalking can be a very serious charge that can result in significant penalties. If you are charged.

THERE ARE SEVERAL THINGS THAT CAN CONSTITUTE STALKING, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Following or harassing someone
• Sending unwanted emails, text messages, or phone calls
• Showing up at someone’s home or workplace uninvited
• Vandalizing someone’s property
• Creating a website devoted to harassing someone
• Threatening to hurt someone physically or sexually

IF YOU ARE CONVICTED OF STALKING

1. If you are convicted of stalking in Texas, you could face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
2. However, if the victim of your stalking is a law enforcement officer, judge, prosecutor, or other public servant performing their official duties, you could face up to five years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
3. If you are convicted of stalking a family member or intimate partner, you could face up to two years in jail and a $4,000 fine.
4. If you are convicted of stalking a child, you could face up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

It is important to remember that if you are charged with stalking, you should not hesitate to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help protect your rights and work to get the best possible outcome for your case.

Texas Penal Code On Stalking

The Texas Penal Code defines “stalking” as: “intentionally or knowingly engaging in a course of conduct that harasses or alarms another person.” Generally, there are three ways to be convicted of stalking:

1. By committing an act in furtherance of the course of conduct;
2. By knowingly threatening to commit an act in furtherance of the course of conduct; or
3. By knowingly causing a communication to be sent to another person in furtherance of the course of conduct.

STALKING CHARGE TYPES

In Texas, there are two types of stalking charges: Class A and Class B.

Class A stalking is the more serious charge and is punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a $4,000 fine. Class B stalking is punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.

In order to be convicted of stalking, the prosecution must prove that the defendant engaged in a course of conduct that caused the victim to feel frightened, harassed, or intimidated.

Defenses to Stalking Charges In Texas can be based on a variety of issues, including but not limited to:

• The defendant had no intent to harass or alarm the victim
• The defendant was falsely accused
• The victim consented to the defendant’s conduct
• The defendant was engaged in constitutionally protected speech or conduct

Facing Stalking Charges In Houston TX?

If you have been charged with stalking, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced Houston criminal defense attorney. An attorney can explain your rights and help build a defense for your case. You may also want to consider reaching out to Segura & Kiatta today for immediate help.