Philadelphia Domestic Violence Attorney

Stalking and Its Penalties

Under Pennsylvania law, stalking is considered "repeatedly following or committing other acts upon a person with an intent to place the person in reasonable fear of bodily injury, or otherwise cause the person substantial emotional distress". This differs slightly from harassment, which entails the "intent to annoy or alarm the other person by repeatedly committing acts that serve no legitimate purpose".

Being the victim of a stalker is a very frightening and stressful experience. It also interferes greatly with your life as you attempt to avoid the person's efforts and persuade him or her to desist. If you are charged with stalking, this can be just as unsettling as you may face up to 5 years in prison for a first offense. If this is your second offense or you have other domestic violence priors, you may be charged with a felony and go to prison for 7 years. If you find yourself in either of these situations, contact a Philadelphia domestic violence lawyer right away for legal assistance .

The Necessity of Legal Action

An individual in or having been in a relationship with the accuser does not exclude someone from being charged with stalking. In fact, this relationship or ex-relationship is quite often involved in these cases. While it may seem difficult to initiate or respond to legal action against someone with whom you were intimately involved, it can be necessary to maintain your safety.

The lawyers at The Benari Law Group will help you through the process with both empathy and skill. If you are a victim of stalking, we will find and present any evidence or facts that support your case. If you are the accused, we can question the motives of the accuser as well as whether the definition of stalking applies to any situations that have occurred between you.

If you are the victim of or accused of stalking, contact a Philadelphia domestic violence attorney .