Louisiana Stalking 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.