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Louisiana Stalking Attorney
Call Us | 318-377-1555
Stalking Attorney in Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, & Ruston, LA
Stalking isn’t thought of as a violent crime, but in the State of Louisiana, a stalking charge can result in a lifetime of tarnishment and may be difficult to expunge once convicted. One of the unique aspects of stalking is that it is usually a victim-reported crime. In other words, rather than having witnesses or bystanders report the incident to law enforcement, it’s typically the victim of stalking who reports it to law enforcement before anyone else does.
While victims of stalking should never be discounted when accusations are made, too often, people misreport or misinterpret behavior that could be perceived as stalking. This leads to countless defendants suffering from damaged reputations By better understanding the elements of the crime, not only can you avoid false accusations when they happen, but you can also seek out the services of an experienced and competent Louisiana criminal defense attorney.
The Elements of Stalking
With a better understanding of what constitutes stalking, you’ll be better equipped to recognize when it’s happening. Different states have varying definitions of what constitutes stalking, so it’s important to go by the elements laid out by the Louisiana state statutes.
According to the State of Louisiana, Stalking is defined as:
“The intentional and repeated following or harassing of another person that would cause a reasonable person to feel alarmed or to suffer emotional distress.”
Using that definition, the following examples could reasonably be considered stalking:
- Being repeatedly followed
- Repeated and intentional instances where someone shows up to intimidate you
- Intentional and willful messages sent with the purpose of evoking sexual, violent, or intimidating implications
Again, due to the victim-reported nature of the crime, it’s incumbent upon law enforcement to conduct an adequate investigation to generate probable cause to make an arrest for stalking.
Potential Consequences of a Stalking Conviction
Although stalking seems like a lesser offense, the penalties can be serious, particularly if charges are enhanced:
- Maximum Fines: Fines for stalking can be upwards of $5,000 and as low as $1,000
- Incarceration: Stalking can carry with it penalties upwards of 40 years in prison as a result of subsequent convictions. Enhanced charges occur when a victim younger than 18, with violence or threat of bodily harm, or a victim as young 13 or older, or 12 or younger.
Because of the severity of the charges associated with stalking, it’s imperative to have an experienced criminal defense attorney in Louisiana.
Hire an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
If you’ve been accused of stalking, it’s important to have an adequate defense. Stalking is a serious charge that should never be taken lightly. If you’ve been accused of stalking, it’s time to get the best defense possible. Attorney Eric Johnson with The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm has provided exceptional criminal defense for over 24 years across the state of Louisiana.
We will give your stalking case a free consultation and case review. Don’t wait. Call us now. Dial (318) 377-1555 or fill out our online contact form today.