Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking in the United States

Arizona defines stalking as a person who intentionally or knowingly engages in a course of conduct that is directed toward another person and if that conduct either:

1. Would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of that person’s immediate family member and that person in fact fears for their safety or the safety of that person’s immediate family member.

2. Would cause a reasonable person to fear physical injury to or death of that person or that person’s immediate family member and that person in fact fears physical injury to or death of that person or that person’s immediate family member.

Legislation

Cyberstalking was not even recognized as a crime until the mid-1990’s. In 1990 California was the first state to enact stalking legislation of any kind. Since that time, all fifty states and the District of Columbia have enacted legislation of some kind making stalking a crime, either re-written old statutes or incorporated new ones to protect against it. (For a comprehensive list of those statutes see the Appendix). State legislation is extremely important for Cyberstalking protection and enforcement because most stalker cases are prosecuted at the state and local level.

Legislation at federal level

The government at federal level has recognized also the potential threats of cyberstalking and accordingly.

Early legislation used to combat cyberstalking included:

  • 18 U.S.C. § 875 (2000) – Interstate Communications: “(c) Whoever transmits in interstate or foreign commerce any communication containing any threat to kidnap any person or any threat to injure the person of another, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.”
  • 18 USC 875 includes threats transmitted in interstate or foreign commerce via the telephone, e-mail, beepers, or the Internet. However, only actual threats are covered (not harassment or annoyance absent a threat). Fines under the Act can reach up to $250,000.
  • 18 USC § 2261A (2000) – Interstate Stalking Act. Makes it a crime for any person to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce to engage in a course of conduct that places that person in a reasonable fear of the death of, or serious bodily injury to, that person, a member of their immediate family, or spouse or intimate partner. Applied successfully in US v. Bowker.
  • 18 USC § 2425 (2000) – Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998. Makes it a Federal crime to use any means of interstate or foreign commerce (such as a telephone line or the Internet) to knowingly communicate with any person with intent to solicit or entice a child into unlawful sexual activity.

Signed into law  on Jan. 5, 2006, section 113 of Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (VAWA) prohibits anyone from using a telephone or telecommunications device “w/o disclosing his identity and w/ the intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person.” Under VAWA a telecommunications device is defined as “any device or software that can be used to originate telecommunications or other types of communications that are transmitted, in whole or in part, by the Internet.” Penalties for violating the act include 2 years in prison and fines.

But Section 113 only applies to direct communications between the perpetrator and the victim. Thus, it would not reach a cyberstalking situation where a person harasses or terrorizes another person by posting messages on a bulletin board or in a chat room encouraging others to harass or annoy another person. Moreover, Section 113 is only a misdemeanor, punishable by not more than two years in prison.

A widespread debate has arisen about whether the language of the statute, in particular “intent to annoy,” is unconstitutionally vague. There are also concerns about whether the language violates First Amendment freedoms of speech.

Caselaw

United States v. Bowker, 372 F.3d 365 (6th Cir. 2006), cert. granted, 543 U.S. 1182 (U.S. Feb. 28, 2005) (No. 04-8262) involves an unsuccessful constitutional challenge to a cyberstalking statute, The Interstate Stalking Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2261A (2000).

Barnes v. Yahoo, Inc., No. Civ. 05-926-AA, 2005 WL 3005602 (D.Or. Nov. 8, 2005). In this case, the Court held that the defendant was not liable; that Yahoo should not be treated as a “publisher” of the offensive material and remains immunized by 47 U.S.C. § 230 (2000), Congress’ effort to encourage technological advances by immunizing interactive service providers from being liable for content published by third parties.

Appendix: State Stalking Laws

ALABAMA

Article 5 Stalking and Aggravated Stalking

Section 13A-6-90. STALKING. 1992.

“(a) A person who intentionally and repeatedly follows or harasses another person and who makes a credible threat, either express or implied, with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily harm is guilty of the crime of stalking.
(b) The crime of stalking is a Class C felony.”

Section 13A-6-91. AGGRAVATED STALKING. 1992.

“(a) A person who violates the provisions of Section 13A-6-90(a) [Stalking] and whose conduct in doing so also violates any court order or injunction is guilty of the crime of aggravated stalking.

(b) The crime of aggravated stalking is a Class B felony.”

Section 13A-6-92. DEFINITIONS. 1992.

“For purposes of this article [Article 5. Stalking and Aggravated Stalking] only:

(a) COURSE OF CONDUCT. means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time which evidences a continuity of purpose.

(b) CREDITABLE [credible] THREAT. means a threat, expressed or implied, made with the intent and the apparent ability to carry out the threat so as to cause the person who is the target of the threat to fear for his or her safety or the safety of a family member and to cause a reasonable mental anxiety, anguish, or fear.

(c) HARASSES. means engages in an intentional course of conduct directed at a specified person which alarms or annoys that person, or interferes with the freedom of movement of that person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. the course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and must actually cause substantial emotional distress. Constitutionally protected conduct is not included within the definition of this term.”

Section 13A-6-93. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER CRIMINAL LAWS. 1992.

“This article [Article 5. Stalking and Aggravated Stalking] shall not be construed to repeal other criminal laws. Whenever conduct prescribed by any provision of this article is also prescribed by any other provision of law, the provision which carries the more serious penalty shall be applied.”

Section 13A-6-94. CONSTRUCTION. 1992.

“This article shall be construed and, if necessary, reconstrued to sustain its constitutionality.”

ALASKA

11.41.260 – 1996. Stalking in the First Degree.

(a) A person commits the crime of stalking in the first degree if the person violates AS 11.41.270 and (1) the actions constituting the offense are in violation of an order issued or filed under AS 18.66.100 – 18.66.180 or issued under former AS 25.35.010(b) or 25.35.020;

(2) the actions constituting the offense are in violation of a condition of probation, release before trial, release after conviction, or parole;

(3) the victim is under 16 years of age;

(4) at any time during the course of conduct constituting the offense the defendant possessed a deadly weapon;

(5) the defendant has been previously convicted of a crime under this section, AS 11.41.270, or AS 11.56.740, or a law or ordinance of this or another jurisdiction with elements similar to a crime under this section, AS 11.41.270, or AS 11.56.740; or

(6) the defendant has been previously convicted of a crime, or an attempt or solicitation to commit a crime, under (A) AS 11.41.100 – 11.41.250, 11.41.300 – 11.41.460, AS 11.56.810, AS 11.61.120, or (B) a law or an ordinance of this or another jurisdiction with elements similar to a crime, or an attempt or solicitation to commit a crime, under AS 11.41.100 – 11.41.250, 11.41.300 – 11.41.460, AS 11.56.810, or AS 11.61.120, involving the same victim as the present offense.

(b) In this section, “course of conduct” and “victim” have the meanings given in AS 11.41.270(b).

(c) Stalking in the first degree is a class C felony.

11.41.270 – 1993. Stalking in the Second Degree.

(a) A person commits the crime of stalking in the second degree if the person knowingly engages in a course of conduct that recklessly places another person in fear of death or physical injury, or in fear of the death or physical injury of a family member.

(b) In this section,

(1) “course of conduct” means repeated acts of nonconsensual contact involving the victim or a family member;

(2) “family member” means a

(A) spouse, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece, of the victim, whether related by blood, marriage, or adoption;

(B) person who lives, or has previously lived, in a spousal relationship with the victim;

(C) person who lives in the same household as the victim; or

(D) person who is a former spouse of the victim or is or has been in a dating, courtship, or engagement relationship with the victim;

(3) “nonconsensual contact” means any contact with another person that is initiated or continued without that person’s consent, that is beyond the scope of the consent provided by that person, or that is in disregard of that person’s expressed desire that the contact be avoided or discontinued; “nonconsensual contact” includes

(A) following or appearing within the sight of that person;

(B) approaching or confronting that person in a public place or on private property;

(C) appearing at the workplace or residence of that person;

(D) entering onto or remaining on property owned, leased, or occupied by that person;

(E) contacting that person by telephone;

(F) sending mail or electronic communications to that person;

(G) placing an object on, or delivering an object to, property owned, leased, or occupied by that person;

(4) “victim” means a person who is the target of a course of conduct.

(c) Stalking in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor.

ARIZONA

13-2923 . Stalking; classification; definitions. 1998.

A. A person commits stalking if the person intentionally or knowingly engages in a course of conduct that is directed toward another person and if that conduct either:

1. Would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of that person’s immediate family member and that person in fact fears for their safety or the safety of that person’s immediate family member.

2. Would cause a reasonable person to fear physical injury to or death of that person or that person’s immediate family member and that person in fact fears
physical injury to or death of that person or that person’s immediate family member.

B. Stalking under subsection A, paragraph 1 of this section is a class 5 felony. Stalking under subsection A, paragraph 2 is a class 3 felony.

C. For the purposes of this section:

1. “Course of conduct” means maintaining visual or physical proximity to a specific person or directing verbal, written or other threats, whether express or implied, to a specific person on two or more occasions over a period of time, however short, but does not include constitutionally protected activity.

2. “Immediate family member” means a spouse, parent, child or sibling or any other person who regularly resides in a person’s household or resided in a person’s
household within the past six months.

ARKANSAS

Section 5-71-229. Stalking. 1995.

(a)(1) A person commits stalking in the first degree if he purposely engages in a course of conduct that harasses another person and makes a terroristic threat with the intent of placing that person in imminent fear of death or serious bodily injury or placing that person in imminent fear of the death or serious bodily injury of his or her immediate family and he:

(A) Does so in contravention of an order of protection consistent with the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991, ‘ 9-15-101 et seq., or a no contact order as set out in subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section, protecting the same victim or victims, or any other order issued by any court protecting the same victim or victims; or

(B) Has been convicted within the previous ten (10) years of:

(i) Stalking in the second degree; or

(ii) Violating ‘ 5-13-301 or ‘ 5-13-310; or

(iii) Stalking or threats against another person’s safety under the statutory provisions of any other state jurisdiction; or

(C) Is armed with a deadly weapon or represents by word or conduct that he is so armed.

(2)(A) A judicial officer, upon pretrial release of the defendant, shall enter a no contact order in writing consistent with Rules 9.3 and 9.4 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure and shall give notice to the defendant of penalties contained in Rule 9.5 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(B) This no contact order shall remain in effect during the pendency of any appeal of a conviction under subsection (a) of this section.

(C) The judicial officer or prosecuting attorney shall provide a copy of this no contact order to the victim and the arresting agency without unnecessary delay.

(D) If the judicial officer has reason to believe that mental disease or defect of the defendant will or has become an issue in the cause, the judicial officer shall enter such orders as are consistent with ‘ 5-2-305.

(3) Stalking in the first degree is a Class B felony.

(b)(1) A person commits stalking in the second degree if he purposely engages in a course of conduct that harasses another person and makes a terroristic threat with the intent of placing that person in imminent fear of death or serious bodily injury or placing that person in imminent fear of the death or serious bodily injury of his or her immediate family.

(2)(A) A judicial officer, upon pretrial release of the defendant, shall enter a no contact order in writing consistent with Rules 9.3 and 9.4 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure and shall give notice to the defendant of penalties contained in Rule 9.5 of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(B) This no contact order shall remain in effect during the pendency of any appeal of a conviction under subsection (b) of this section.

(C) The judicial officer or prosecuting attorney shall provide a copy of this no contact order to the victim and arresting agency without unnecessary delay.

(D) If the judicial officer has reason to believe that mental disease or defect of the defendant will or has become an issue in the cause, the judicial officer shall enter such orders as are consistent with ‘ 5-2-305.

(3) Stalking in the second degree is a Class C felony.

(c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section whenever the actor is a law enforcement officer, licensed private investigator, attorney, process server, licensed bail bondsman, or a store detective acting within the reasonable scope of his duty while conducting surveillance on an official work assignment.

(d) For the purpose of this section:

(1)(A) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of two (2) or more acts separated by at least thirty-six (36) hours, but occurring within one (1) year.

(B)(i) Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct”.

(ii) If the defendant claims that he was engaged in a constitutionally protected activity, the court shall determine the validity of that claim as a matter of law and, if found valid, shall exclude that activity from evidence;

(2) “Harasses” means acts of harassment as defined by ‘ 5-71-208; and

(3) “Immediate family” means any spouse, parent, child, any person related by consanguinity or affinity within the second degree, or any other person who regularly resides in the household or who, within the prior six (6) months, regularly resided in the household.

CALIFORNIA

Penal Code section 646.9. Stalking. 1998.

(a) Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family, is guilty of the crime of stalking, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment, or by imprisonment in the state prison.

(b) Any person who violates subdivision (a) when there is a temporary restraining order, injunction, or any other court order in effect prohibiting the behavior described in subdivision (a) against the same party, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years.

(c) Every person who, having been convicted of a felony under this section, commits a second or subsequent violation of this section shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years.

(d) In addition to the penalties provided in this section, the sentencing court may order a person convicted of a felony under this section to register as a sex offender pursuant to subparagraph (E) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 290.

(e) For the purposes of this section, “harasses” means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person that seriously alarms, annoys, torments, or terrorizes the person, and that serves no legitimate purpose. This course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and must actually cause substantial emotional distress to the person.

(f) For purposes of this section, “course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose.Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.”

(g) For the purposes of this section, “credible threat” means a verbal or written threat, including that performed through the use of an electronic communication device, or a threat implied by a pattern of conduct or a combination of verbal, written, or electronically communicated statements and conduct made with the intent to place the person that is the target of the threat in reasonable fear for his or her safety or the safety of his or her family and made with the apparent ability to carry out the threat so as to cause the person who is the target of the threat to reasonably fear for his or her safety or the safety of his or her family. It is not necessary to prove that the defendant had the intent to actually carry out the threat. The present incarceration of a person making the threat shall not be a bar to prosecution under this section.

(h) For purposes of this section, the term “electronic communication device” includes, but is not limited to, telephones, cellular phones, computers, video recorders, fax machines, or pagers.

“Electronic communication” has the same meaning as the term defined in Subsection 12 of Section 2510 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

(i) This section shall not apply to conduct that occurs during labor picketing.

(j) If probation is granted, or the execution or imposition of a sentence is suspended, for any person convicted under this section, it shall be a condition of probation that the person participate in counseling, as designated by the court. However, the court, upon a showing of good cause, may find that the counseling requirement shall not be imposed.

(k) The sentencing court also shall consider issuing an order restraining the defendant from any contact with the victim, that may be valid for up to 10 years, as determined by the court. It is the intent of the Legislature that the length of any restraining order be based upon the seriousness of the facts before the court, the probability of future violations, and the safety of the victim and his or her immediate family.

(l) For purposes of this section, “immediate family” means any spouse, parent, child, any person related by consanguinity or affinity within the second degree, or any other person who regularly resides in the household, or who, within the prior six months, regularly resided in the household.

(m) The court shall consider whether the defendant would benefit from treatment pursuant to Section 2684. If it is determined to be appropriate, the court shall recommend that the Department of Corrections make a certification as provided in Section 2684. Upon the certification, the defendant shall be evaluated and transferred to the appropriate hospital for treatment pursuant to Section 2684.

Legislative Update: SB 1320, signed by Governor Gray Davis on September 23, 2002, clarifies the definition of stalking to require that conduct which constitutes harassment be willful and malicious. The definition of course of conduct was modified to require a minimum of two acts, instead of a series of acts, to establish a pattern of conduct. Additionally, the new law eliminates the requirement that the harassing conduct be such as would cause a reasonable person substantial emotional distress, as well as the requirement that the conduct does in fact cause such distress.

In separate legislation, AB 2030, enacted September 27, 2002, the charging of fees for service of process of a protection order based on stalking and for filing a subpoena in connection with the application for stalking orders was prohibited.

COLORADO

18-9-111. Harassment by Stalking. 1997.

(1) A person commits harassment if, with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, he or she:

(a) Strikes, shoves, kicks, or otherwise touches a person or subjects him to physical contact; or

(b) In a public place directs obscene language or makes an obscene gesture to or at another person; or

(c) Follows a person in or about a public place; or

(d) Repealed.

(e) Initiates communication with a person, anonymously or otherwise by telephone, in a manner intended to harass or threaten bodily injury or property damage, or makes any comment, request, suggestion, or proposal by telephone which is obscene; or

(f) Makes a telephone call or causes a telephone to ring repeatedly, whether or not a conversation ensues, with no purpose of legitimate conversation; or

(g) Makes repeated communications at inconvenient hours that invade the privacy of another and interfere in the use and enjoyment of another’s home or private residence or other private property; or

(h) Repeatedly insults, taunts, challenges, or makes communications in offensively coarse language to, another in a manner likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response.

(1.5) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, “obscene” means a patently offensive description of ultimate sexual acts or solicitation to commit ultimate sexual acts, whether or not said ultimate sexual acts are normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including masturbation, cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus, or excretory functions.

(2) Harassment pursuant to subsection (1) of this section is a class 3 misdemeanor.

(3) Any act prohibited by paragraph (e) of subsection (1) of this section may be deemed to have occurred or to have been committed at the place at which the telephone call was either made or received.

(4) (a) In addition to the circumstances described in subsection (1) of this section, a person commits harassment by stalking if directly or indirectly through another person such person knowingly:

(I) Makes a credible threat to another person and, in connection with such threat, repeatedly follows that person or a member of that person’s immediate family; or

(II) Makes a credible threat to another person and, in connection with such threat, repeatedly makes any form of communication with that person or a member of that person’s immediate family, whether or not a conversation ensues.

(b) For the purposes of this subsection (4):

(I) “Credible threat” means a threat or physical action that would cause a reasonable person to be in fear for the person’s life or safety or the safety of his or her immediate family;

(II) “Immediate family” includes the person’s spouse and the person’s parent, grandparent, sibling, or child;

(III) “In connection with” means acts occurring either before, during, or after the credible threat; and

(IV) “Repeatedly” means on more than one occasion.

(5) Where a person commits harassment by stalking under paragraph (a) of subsection (4) of this section, the following shall apply:

(a) A person commits a class 6 felony for a first offense.

(a.5) For a second or subsequent offense, if such offense occurs within seven years of the date of a prior offense for which such person was convicted, the offender commits a class 5 felony.

(b) If, at the time of the offense, there was a temporary restraining order, injunction, or any other court order in effect against such person prohibiting the behavior described in subparagraph (I) or (II) of paragraph (a) of subsection (4) of this section, such person commits a class 6 felony. In addition, when a violation under subsection (4) of this section is committed in connection with a violation of a court order, including but not limited to any restraining order or any order that sets forth the conditions of a bond, any sentence imposed for such violation pursuant to this subsection (5) shall run consecutively and not concurrently with any sentence imposed pursuant to section 18-6-803.5 and with any sentence imposed in a contempt proceeding for violation of the court order. Nothing in this paragraph (b) shall be construed to alter or diminish the inherent authority of the court to enforce its orders through civil or criminal contempt proceedings; however, before a criminal contempt proceeding is heard before the court, notice of the proceedings shall be provided to the district attorney for the district of the court where the proceedings are to be heard and the district attorney for the district of the court where the alleged act of criminal contempt occurred. The district attorney for either district shall be allowed to appear and argue for the imposition of contempt sanctions.

(6) A peace officer shall have a duty to respond as soon as reasonably possible to a report of stalking and to cooperate with the alleged victim in investigating such report.

Legislative Update: Colorado legislators enacted a new law requiring an employer with fifty or more employees to permit an employee who is the victim of domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or other crimes involving domestic violence to take up to three days of leave in a twelve-month period to seek protection for him or herself. An employee may use the leave time to pursue a civil restraining order, obtain medical care or mental health counseling for self or children, secure his or her home from the perpetrator of the crime, seek legal assistance, or to prepare for and attend related court proceedings. In order to qualify for this leave time, the employee must have been employed for twelve months or more, and must give the employer appropriate advance notice of the need for such leave time except when there is imminent danger to the employee’s health or safety. An employer is prohibited from discharging or discriminating against an employee who exercises his or her rights under these provisions.

In addition, HB 1051 authorizes a judge or magistrate to issue a civil restraining order to a business entity in order to protect employees of the business upon finding that an imminent danger exists. An employer shall not be liable for failing to obtain such an order to protect its employees and patrons.

Under an amendment to Colorado’s civil restraining order law, victims of domestic abuse or violence, stalking, or sexual assault seeking restraining orders may not be assessed filing or service of process fees. The court may order the respondent to pay such fees and to reimburse the victim for cost incurred in bringing the action at the permanent restraining order hearing.

HB 1034 takes effect on July 1, 2002, and applies to all petitions for civil restraining orders filed on or after that date.

CONNECTICUT

Sec. 53a-181c – 1992. Stalking in the first degree: Class D felony.

(a) A person is guilty of stalking in the first degree when he commits stalking in the second degree as provided in section 53a-181d and

(1) he has previously been convicted of this section or section 53a-181d, or

(2) such conduct violates a court order in effect at the time of the offense, or

(3) the other person is under sixteen years of age.

(b) Stalking in the first degree is a class D felony.

Sec. 53a-181d – 1992. Stalking in the second degree: Class A misdemeanor.

(a) A person is guilty of stalking in the second degree when, with intent to cause another person to fear for his physical safety, he wilfully and repeatedly follows or lies in wait for such other person and causes such other person to reasonably fear for his physical safety.

(b) Stalking in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 53a-181e – 1995. Stalking in the third degree: Class B misdemeanor.

(a) A person is guilty of stalking in the third degree when he recklessly causes another person to reasonably fear for his physical safety by wilfully and repeatedly following or lying in wait for such other person.

(b) Stalking in the third degree is a class B misdemeanor.

Legislative Update: On October 1, 2002, SB 334 took effect enhancing the classification for a criminal violation of a stalking protective order from a class A misdemeanor to a class D felony.

DELAWARE

11-1312A. Stalking; class F felony. 1996.

(a) Any person who intentionally engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person which would cause a reasonable person to fear physical injury to him or herself, to a friend or associate, or to a member of his or her household or to a third person and whose conduct induces such fear in such person, is guilty of the crime of stalking.

(b) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions are provided:

(1) “Course of conduct” includes repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person or repeatedly conveying verbal or written threats or threats implied by conduct, or repeatedly committing any acts constituting any criminal offense as defined by the Delaware Code, or a combination thereof, and which reflects a continuity of purpose. A conviction is not required for any predicate act relied upon to establish a course of conduct. A conviction for any predicated act relied upon to establish a course of conduct does not preclude prosecution under this section. Prosecution under this section does not preclude prosecution under any other section of the Code.

(2) “Repeatedly” means more than 3 occasions.

(c) In any prosecution under this section, it is an affirmative defense that the person charged was engaged in lawful picketing.

(d) This section shall not apply to conduct which occurs in furtherance of legitimate law enforcement activities or to private investigators, security officers or private detectives as those activities are defined in Chapter 13 of Title 24.

(e) Stalking is a class F felony, unless the course of conduct includes a threat of death or serious physical injury to the victim, his or her immediate family or to a third person, in which case it is a class D felony; or, unless the perpetrator possesses a deadly weapon during any act comprising the course of conduct, in which case it is a class C felony.

(f) Notwithstanding any contrary provision of ‘ 4205 of this title, any person who commits the crime of stalking by engaging in a course of conduct which includes any act or acts which have previously been prohibited by a then-existing court order or sentence shall receive a minimum sentence of 6 months incarceration at Level V. The first 6 months of said period of incarceration shall not be subject to suspension.

(g) Notwithstanding any contrary provision of ‘ 4205 of this title, any person who is convicted of stalking within 5 years of a prior conviction of stalking shall receive a minimum sentence of 1 year incarceration at Level V. The 1st year of said period of incarceration shall not be subject to suspension.

Legislative Update: Delaware legislators enacted the Uniform Interstate Enforcement of Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act, HB 315, on July 8, 2002. This bill requires the courts to enforce the terms of any validly issued out of state protection order, and directs law enforcement officers to enforce foreign orders when they have probable cause to believe that such an order has been violated.

DISTRICT of COLUMBIA

Title 22, Section 504. ASSAULT OR THREATENED ASSAULT IN A MENACING MANNER; STALKING. 1901. Amended 1997.

“Whoever unlawfully assaults, or threatens another in a menacing manner, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or be imprisoned not more than 180 days, or both.”

“Any person who on more than one occasion engages in conduct with the intent to cause emotional distress to another person or places another person in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury by willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly following or harassing that person, or who, without a legal purpose, willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person, is guilty of the crime of stalking and shall be fined mot more than $500 or be imprisoned for not more than 12 months, or both. Constitutionally protected activity, such as conduct by a party to a labor dispute in furtherance of labor or management objectives in that dispute, is not included within the meaning of this definition.”

A person who commits stalking in violation of a protective or other court order shall be required to give bond, for a period of up to 1 year, to ensure compliance with this section.

A second conviction for stalking within 2 years, or within 2 years of a conviction for a similar offense, shall result in a fine and prison term of up to 1 1/2 times the maximum fine and term allowed. If the offense is a third or subsequent conviction, the person is subject to a fine and term of up to 3 times the maximum.

As used in this section, “the term ‘harassing’ means engaging in a course of conduct either in person, by telephone, or in writing, directed at a specific person, which seriously alarms, annoys, frightens, or torments the person, or engaging in a course of conduct either in person, by telephone, or in writing, which would cause a reasonable person to be seriously alarmed, annoyed, frightened, or tormented.”

FLORIDA

Section 784.048. STALKING; DEFINITIONS; PENALTIES. 1997.

(1) As used in this section, the term:

(a) “Harass” means to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress in such person and serves no legitimate purpose.

(b) “Course of conduct” means a pattern a conduct composed of series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.” Such constitutionally protected activity includes picketing or other organized protests.

(c) “Credible threat” means a threat made with the intent to cause the person who is the target of the threat to reasonably fear for his or her safety. The threat must be against the life of, or a threat to cause bodily injury to, a person.

(2) Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person commits the offense of stalking, a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(3) Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person, and makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury, commits the offense of aggravated stalking, a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(4) Any person who, after an injunction for protection against repeat violence pursuant to s. 784.046, or an injunction for protection against domestic violence pursuant to s. 741.30, or after any other court-imposed prohibition of conduct toward the subject person that person’s property, knowingly, willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person commits the offense of aggravated stalking, a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(5) Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses a minor under 16 years of age commits the offense of aggravated stalking, a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, so. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(6) Any law enforcement officer may arrest, without a warrant, any person he or she has probable cause to believe has violated the provisions of this section.

GEORGIA

16-5-90. Stalking. 1998.

(a) A person commits the offense of stalking when he or she follows, places under surveillance, or contacts another person at or about a place or places without the consent of the other person for the purpose of harassing and intimidating the other person. For the purpose of this article, the term “place or places” shall include any public or private property occupied by the victim other than the residence of the defendant. For the purposes of this article, the term “harassing and intimidating” means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which causes emotional distress by placing such person in reasonable fear for such person’s safety or the safety of a member of his or her immediate family, by establishing a pattern of harassing and intimidating behavior, and which serves no legitimate purpose. This Code section shall not be construed to require that an overt threat of death or bodily injury has been made.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this Code section, a person who commits the offense of stalking is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(c) Upon the second conviction, and all subsequent convictions, for stalking, the defendant shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than ten years.

(d) Before sentencing a defendant for any conviction of stalking under this Code section or aggravated stalking under Code Section 16-5-91, the sentencing judge may require psychological evaluation of the offender and shall consider the entire criminal record of the offender. At the time of sentencing, the judge is authorized to issue a permanent restraining order against the offender to protect the person stalked and the members of such person’s immediate family, and the judge is authorized to require psychological treatment of the offender as a part of the sentence, or as a condition for suspension or stay of sentence, or for probation.

16-5-91. Aggravated Stalking. 1998.

(a) A person commits the offense of aggravated stalking when such person, in violation of a bond to keep the peace posted pursuant to Code Section 17-6-110, temporary restraining order, temporary protective order, permanent restraining order, permanent protective order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction or condition of pretrial release, condition of probation, or condition of parole in effect prohibiting the behavior described in this subsection, follows, places under surveillance, or contacts another person at or about a place or places without the consent of the other person for the purpose of harassing and intimidating the other person.

(b) Any person convicted of a violation of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years and by a fine of not more than $10,000.00. The provisions of subsection (d) of Code Section 16-5-90 apply to sentencing for conviction of aggravated stalking.

16-5-92. Applicability. 1993.

The provisions of Code Sections 16-5-90 and 16-5-91 shall not apply to persons engaged in activities protected by the Constitution of the United States or of this state or to persons or employees of such persons lawfully engaged in bona fide business activity or lawfully engaged in the practice of a profession.

16-5-93. Right of Victim to Notification of Release or Escape of Stalker. 1997.

(a) The victim of stalking or aggravated stalking shall be entitled to notice of the release from custody of the person arrested for and charged with the offense of stalking or aggravated stalking and to notice of any hearing on the issue of bail for such person. No such notice shall be required unless the victim provides a landline telephone number other than a pocket pager or electronic communication device number to which such notice can be directed.

(b) The law enforcement agency, prosecutor, or court directly involved with the victim at the outset of a criminal prosecution for the offense of stalking or aggravated stalking shall advise the victim of his or her right to notice and of the requirement of the victim’s providing a landline telephone number other than a pocket pager or electronic communication device number to which the notice of custodial release or bail hearing can be directed. Such victim shall transmit the telephone number described in this subsection to the court and custodian of the person charged with stalking or aggravated stalking.

(c) Upon receipt of the telephone number, the custodian of the person charged with stalking or aggravated stalking shall take reasonable and necessary steps under the circumstances to notify the victim of the person’s release from custody. Such notice shall, at a minimum, include:

(1) Prior to the person’s release, placing a telephone call to the number provided by the victim and giving notice to the victim or any person answering the telephone who appears to be sui juris or by leaving an appropriate message on a telephone answering machine; and

(2) Following the person’s release, if the custodian is unable to notify the victim by the method provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, telephoning the number provided by the victim no less than two times in no less than 15 minute intervals within one hour of custodial release and giving notice to the victim or to any person answering the telephone who appears to be sui juris or by leaving an appropriate message on a telephone answering machine.

(d) Upon receipt of the telephone number, the court conducting a hearing on the issue of bail shall take reasonable and necessary steps under the circumstances to notify the victim of any scheduled hearing on the issue of bail. Such notice shall, at a minimum, include placing a telephone call to the number provided by the victim prior to any scheduled hearing on the issue of bail.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section, a scheduled bail hearing or the release of the person charged with stalking or aggravated stalking shall not be delayed solely for the purpose of effectuating notice pursuant to this Code section for a period of more than 30 minutes.

(f) Upon the person’s release or escape from custody after conviction and service of all or a portion of a sentence, notification to the victim shall be provided by the State Board of

Pardons and Paroles as set forth in Code Sections 42-9-46 and 42-9-47.

(g) This Code section shall not apply to a custodian who is transferring a person charged with stalking or aggravated stalking to another custodian in this state.

(h) As used in this Code section, the term “custodian” means a warden, sheriff, jailer, deputy sheriff, police officer, officer or employee of the Department of Juvenile Justice, or any other law enforcement officer having actual custody of an inmate.

(i) A custodian or his or her employing agency shall not be liable in damages for a failure to provide the notice required by this Code section, but the custodian shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action including termination for such failure.

16-5-94. Restraining Order; Protective Orders. 1998.

(a) A person who is not a minor who alleges stalking by another person may seek a restraining order by filing a petition alleging conduct constituting stalking as defined in Code Section 16-5-90. A person who is not a minor may also seek relief on behalf of a minor by filing such a petition.

(b) Jurisdiction for such a petition shall be the same as for family violence petitions as set out in Code Section 19-13-2.

(c) Upon the filing of a verified petition in which the petitioner alleges with specific facts that probable cause exists to establish that stalking by the respondent has occurred in the past and may occur in the future, the court may order such temporary relief ex parte as it deems necessary to protect the petitioner or a minor of the household from stalking. If the court issues an ex parte order, a copy of the order shall be immediately furnished to the petitioner.

(d) The court may grant a protective order or approve a consent agreement to bring about a cessation of conduct constituting stalking. Orders or agreements may:

(1) Direct a party to refrain from such conduct;

(2) Order a party to refrain from harassing or interfering with the other;

(3) Award costs and attorney’s fees to either party; and

(4) Order either or all parties to receive appropriate psychiatric or psychological services as a further measure to prevent the recurrence of stalking.

(e) The provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of Code Section 19-13-3, subsections (b), (c), and (d) of Code Section 19-3-4, and Code Section 19-3-5, relating to family violence petitions, shall apply to petitions filed pursuant to this Code section, except that the clerk of court may provide forms for petitions and pleadings to persons alleging conduct constituting stalking and to any other person designated by the superior court pursuant to this Code section as authorized to advise persons alleging conduct constituting stalking on filling out and filing such petitions and pleadings.

Legislative Update: On May 13, 2002, Georgia’s governor signed HB 1206 into law. The legislation adds good behavior bonds to the list of orders which, if violated, constitutes the crime of aggravated stalking.

HAWAII

711-1106.4. Aggravated harassment by stalking. 1995.

(1) A person commits the offense of aggravated harassment by stalking if that person commits the offense of harassment by stalking as provided in section 711-1106.5 and has been convicted previously of harassment by stalking involving the same person under section 711-1106.5 and:

(a) The actions constituting the present offense are in violation of an existing court order, other than one issued ex parte, restraining the same person from contacting, threatening, or physically abusing the same complainant; or

(b) The actions constituting the present offense are in violation of a condition of probation or pretrial release involving the same person.

(2) Aggravated harassment by stalking is a class C felony.

711-1106.5. Harassment by stalking. 1992.

(1) A person commits the offense of harassment by stalking if, with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person, or in reckless disregard of the risk thereof, that person pursues or conducts surveillance upon the other person:

(a) Without legitimate purpose; and

(b) Under circumstances which would cause the other person to reasonably believe that the actor intends to cause bodily injury to the other person or another, or damage to the property of the other person or another.

(2) Harassment by stalking is a misdemeanor if the person harasses another person by stalking on more than one occasion for the same or a similar purpose. Otherwise, harassment by stalking is a petty misdemeanor.

(3) A person convicted under this section may be required to undergo a counseling program as ordered by the court.

IDAHO

18-7905 – 1992. STALKING — DEFINITIONS — PENALTIES.

(a) Any person who willfully, maliciously and repeatedly follows or harasses another person or a member of that person’s immediate family is guilty of the crime of stalking, and is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one (1) year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(b) Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section when there is a temporary restraining order or an injunction, or both, in effect prohibiting the behavior described in subsection (a) of this section, against the same party, is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one (1) year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(c) A second or subsequent conviction occurring within seven (7) years of a prior conviction under the provisions of this section against the same victim is a felony.

(d) For the purposes of this section:

(1) “Harasses” means a knowing and wilful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys or harasses the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress.

(2) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of this definition.

ILLINOIS

720 ILCS 5/12-7.3 (2000)

[Prior to 1/1/93 cited as: Ill. Rev. Stat., Ch. 38, para. 12-7.3]

§ 720 ILCS 5/12-7.3. Stalking

Sec. 12-7.3. Stalking. (a) A person commits stalking when he or she, knowingly and without lawful justification, on at least 2 separate occasions follows another person or places the person under surveillance or any combination thereof and:

(1) at any time transmits a threat of immediate or future bodily harm, sexual assault, confinement or restraint and the threat is directed towards that person or a family member of that person; or

(2) places that person in reasonable apprehension of immediate or future bodily harm, sexual assault, confinement or restraint; or

(3) places that person in reasonable apprehension that a family member will receive immediate or future bodily harm, sexual assault, confinement, or restraint.

(b) Sentence. Stalking is a Class 4 felony. A second or subsequent conviction for stalking is a Class 3 felony.

(b-5) The incarceration of a person in a penal institution who transmits a threat is not a bar to prosecution under this Section.

(c) Exemption. This Section does not apply to picketing occurring at the workplace that is otherwise lawful and arises out of a bona fide labor dispute, or any exercise of the right of free speech or assembly that is otherwise lawful.

(d) For the purpose of this Section, a defendant “places a person under surveillance” by remaining present outside the person’s school, place of employment, vehicle, other place occupied by the person, or residence other than the residence of the defendant.

(e) For the purpose of this Section, “follows another person” means (i) to move in relative proximity to a person as that person moves from place to place or (ii) to remain in relative proximity to a person who is stationary or whose movements are confined to a small area. “Follows another person” does not include a following within the residence of the defendant.

(f) For the purposes of this Section and Section 12-7.4 [720 ILCS 5/12-7.4], “bona fide labor dispute” means any controversy concerning wages, salaries, hours, working conditions, or benefits, including health and welfare, sick leave, insurance, and pension or retirement provisions, the making or maintaining of collective bargaining agreements, and the terms to be included in those agreements.

(g) For the purposes of this Section, “transmits a threat” means a verbal or written threat or a threat implied by a pattern of conduct or a combination of verbal or written statements or conduct.

(h) For the purposes of this Section, “family member” means a parent, grandparent, brother, sister, or child, whether by whole blood, half-blood, or adoption and includes a step-grandparent, step-parent, step-brother, step-sister or step-child. “Family member” also means any other person who regularly resides in the household, or who, within the prior 6 months, regularly resided in the household.

Legislative Update: HB 4981, enacted on August 22, 2002, expands the stalking victims from subsequent repeat stalking incidents by the same offender. Under the provisions of the new law, a person who was previously convicted of stalking commits a new stalking offense when he or she knowingly and without lawful justifications stalks the same victim again on another single occasion.

INDIANA

IC 35-45-10-1. AStalk@ Defined. 1993.

Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, “stalk” means a knowing or an intentional course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment of another person that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened. The term does not include statutorily or constitutionally protected activity.

IC 35-45-10-2. AHarassment@ Defined. 1993.

Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, “harassment” means conduct directed toward a victim that includes but is not limited to repeated or continuing impermissible contact that would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress and that actually causes the victim to suffer emotional distress. Harassment does not include statutorily or constitutionally protected activity, such as lawful picketing pursuant to labor disputes or lawful employer-related activities pursuant to labor disputes.

IC 35-45-10-3. AImpermissible Contact@ Defined. 1993.

Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, “impermissible contact” includes but is not limited to knowingly or intentionally following or pursuing the victim.

IC 35-45-10-4. AVictim@ Defined. 1993.

Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, “victim” means a person who is the object of stalking.

IC 35-45-10-5. ViolationBPenalties. 1998.

Sec. 5. (a) A person who stalks another person commits stalking, a Class D felony.

(b) The offense is a Class C felony if at least one (1) of the following applies:

(1) A person:

(A) stalks a victim; and

(B) makes an explicit or an implicit threat with the intent to place the victim in reasonable fear of:

(i) sexual battery (as defined in IC 35-42-4-8);

(ii) serious bodily injury; or

(iii) death.

(2) A protective order or other judicial order under any of the following statutes has been issued by the court to protect the same victim or victims from the person and the person has been given actual notice of the order:

(A) IC 31-15, IC 31-16, IC 31-17, or IC 31-1-11.5 before its repeal (dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child support, and child custody).

(B) IC 31-34, IC 31-37, or IC 31-6-4 before its repeal (delinquent children and children in need of services).

(C) IC 31-32 or IC 31-6-7 before its repeal (procedure in juvenile court).

(D) IC 34-26-2 or IC 34-4-5.1 before its repeal (protective order to prevent abuse).

(3) A criminal complaint of stalking that concerns an act by the person against the same victim or victims is pending in a court and the person has been given actual notice of the complaint.

(c) The offense is a Class B felony if:

(1) the act or acts were committed while the person was armed with a deadly weapon; or

(2) the person has an unrelated conviction for an offense under this section against the same victim or victims.

(d) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the court may enter judgment of conviction of a Class A misdemeanor and sentence accordingly if the court finds mitigating circumstances. The court may consider the mitigating circumstances in IC 35-38-1-7.1(C) in making a determination under this subsection. However, the criteria listed in IC 35-38-1-7.1(C) do not limit the matters the court may consider in making its determination.

(e) Notwithstanding subsection (b), the court may enter judgment of conviction of a Class D felony and sentence accordingly if the court finds mitigating circumstances. The court may consider the mitigating circumstances in IC 35-38-1-7.1(C) in making a determination under this subsection. However, the criteria listed in IC 35-38-1-7.1(C) do not limit the matters the court may consider in making its determination.

IOWA

708.11 Stalking. 1998.

1. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

a. “Accompanying offense” means any public offense committed as part of the course of conduct engaged in while committing the offense of stalking.

b. “Course of conduct” means repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person without legitimate purpose or repeatedly conveying oral or written threats, threats implied by conduct, or a combination thereof, directed at or toward a person.

c. “Immediate family member” means a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or any other person who regularly resides in the household of a specific person, or who within the prior six months regularly resided in the household of a specific person.

d. “Repeatedly” means on two or more occasions.

2. A person commits stalking when all of the following occur:

a. The person purposefully engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily injury to, or the death of, that specific person or a member of the specific person’s immediate family.

b. The person has knowledge or should have knowledge that the specific person will be placed in reasonable fear of bodily injury to, or the death of, that specific person or a member of the specific person’s immediate family by the course of conduct.

c. The person’s course of conduct induces fear in the specific person of bodily injury to, or the death of, the specific person or a member of the specific person’s immediate family.

3. a. A person who commits stalking in violation of this section commits a class “C” felony for a third or subsequent offense.

b. A person who commits stalking in violation of this section commits a class “D” felony if any of the following apply:

(1) The person commits stalking while subject to restrictions contained in a criminal or civil protective order or injunction, or any other court order which prohibits contact between the person and the victim, or while subject to restrictions contained in a criminal or civil protective order or injunction or other court order which prohibits contact between the person and another person against whom the person has committed a public offense.

(2) The person commits stalking while in possession of a dangerous weapon, as defined in section 702.7.

(3) The person commits stalking by directing a course of conduct at a specific person who is under eighteen years of age.

(4) The offense is a second offense.

c. A person who commits stalking in violation of this section commits an aggravated misdemeanor if the offense is a first offense which is not included in paragraph “b”.

4. Violations of this section and accompanying offenses shall be considered prior offenses for the purpose of determining whether an offense is a second or subsequent offense. A conviction for, deferred judgment for, or plea of guilty to a violation of this section or an accompanying offense which occurred at any time prior to the date of the violation charged shall be considered in determining that the violation charged is a second or subsequent offense. Deferred judgments pursuant to section 907.3 for violations of this section or accompanying offenses and convictions or the equivalent of deferred judgments for violations in any other states under statutes substantially corresponding to this section or accompanying offenses shall be counted as previous offenses. The courts shall judicially notice the statutes of other states which define offenses substantially equivalent to the offenses defined in this section and its accompanying offenses and can therefore be considered corresponding statutes. Each previous violation of this section or an accompanying offense on which conviction or deferral of judgment was entered prior to the date of the violation charged shall be considered and counted as a separate previous offense. In addition, however, accompanying offenses committed as part of the course of conduct engaged in while committing the violation of stalking charged shall be considered prior offenses for the purpose of that violation even though the accompanying offenses occurred at approximately the same time. An offense shall be considered a second or subsequent offense regardless of whether it was committed upon the same person who was the victim of any other previous offense.

5. Notwithstanding section 804.1, R.Cr.P. 7, Ia. Ct. Rules, 3d ed., or any other provision of law to the contrary, upon the filing of a complaint and a finding of probable cause to believe an offense has been committed in violation of this section, or after the filing of an indictment or information alleging a violation of this section, the court shall issue an arrest warrant, rather than a citation or summons. A peace officer shall not issue a citation in lieu of arrest for a violation of this section. Notwithstanding section 804.21 or any other provision of law to the contrary, a person arrested for stalking shall be immediately taken into custody and shall not be released pursuant to pretrial release guidelines, a bond schedule, or any similar device, until after the initial appearance before a magistrate. In establishing the conditions of release, the magistrate may consider the defendant’s prior criminal history, in addition to the other factors provided in section 811.2.

KANSAS

Section 21-3438. STALKING. 1996.

(a) Stalking is an intentional, malicious and repeated following or harassment of another person and making a credible threat with the intent to place such person in reasonable fear for such person’s safety. Stalking is a severity level 10, person felony.

(b) Any person who violates subsection (a) when there is a temporary restraining order or an injunction, or both, in effect prohibiting the behavior described in subsection (a) against the same person, is guilty of a severity level 9, person felony.

(c) Any person who has a second or subsequent conviction occurring against such person, within seven years of a prior conviction under subsection (a) involving the same victim, is guilty of a severity level 8, person felony.

(d) For the purposes of this section: (1) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose and which would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and must actually cause substantial emotional distress to the person. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.”

(2) “Harassment” means a knowing and intentional course of conduct directed at a specific person that seriously alarms, annoys, torments or terrorizes the person, and that serves no legitimate purpose.

(3) “Credible threat” means a verbal or written threat or a threat implied by a pattern of conduct or a combination of verbal or written statements and conduct made with the intent and the apparent ability to carry out the threat so as to cause the person who is the target of the threat to reasonably fear for such person’s safety.

The present incarceration of a person making the threat shall not be a bar to prosecution under this section.

Legislative Update: Kansas’ protection from stalking act was signed into law on May 17, 2002. Under the act, a stalking victim may file a verified petition for a civil protection from stalking order. The parent or an adult residing with a minor may also seek relief on the child’s behalf. A protection from stalking order shall remain in effect for up to one year, and may be extended for an additional year if a continuing threat of stalking is shown. Knowingly or intentionally violating such an order is a class A person misdemeanor. Applicable definitions, procedural requirements, and the relief available are set out in the act. In addition, the act contains provisions prohibiting disclosure of the victim’s address and telephone number, and authorizing the issuance of ex parte, temporary orders, as well as allowing attorney fees to be awarded to the victim in any case in which a protection from stalking order is granted.

KENTUCKY

Section 508.130. DEFINITIONS FOR KRS 508.130 TO 508.150. 1992.

As used in KRS 508.130 to 508.150, unless the context requires otherwise:

(1)(a) To `stalk’ means to engage in an intentional course of conduct:

1. Directed at a specific person or persons;

2. Which seriously alarms, annoys, intimidates, or harasses the person or persons; and

3. Which serves no legitimate purpose.

(b) The course of conduct shall be that which would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial mental distress.

(2) `Course of conduct’ means a pattern of conduct composed of two (2) of more acts, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally- protected activity is not included within the meaning of `course of conduct.’ If the defendant claims that he was engages in constitutionally protected activity, the court shall determine the validity of that claim as a matter of law and, if found valid, shall exclude that activity from evidence.”

Section 508.140. STALKING IN THE FIRST DEGREE. 1992.

(1) A person is guilty of stalking in the first degree,

(a) When he intentionally:

1. Stalks another person; and

2. Makes an explicit or implicit threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of:

a. Sexual contact as defined in KRS 510.010;

b. Serious physical injury; or

c. Death; and

(b) 1. A protective order or other judicial order as provided for in KRS Chapter 403 has been issued by the court to protect the same victim or victims and the defendant has been served with the summons or order or has been given actual notice; or

2. A criminal complaint is currently pending with a court, law enforcement agency, or prosecutor by the same victim or victims and the defendant has been served with a summons or warrant or has been given actual notice; or

3. The defendant has been convicted of or pled guilty within the previous five (5) years to a felony or to a Class A misdemeanor, other than a violation of KRS 508.150, against the same victim or victims; or

4. The act or acts were committed while the defendant had a deadly weapon on or about his person.

(2) Stalking in the first degree is a Class D felony.”

Section 508.150. STALKING IN THE SECOND DEGREE. 1992.

(1) A person is guilty of stalking in the second degree when he intentionally:

(a) Stalks another person; and

(b) Makes an explicit or implicit threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of:

1. Sexual contact as defined in KRS 510.010;

2. Physical injury; or

3. Death.

(2) Stalking in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor.”

For Harassment, a violation, see Kentucky Code Section 525.070.

For Harassing Communications, a Class B misdemeanor, see Kentucky Code Section 525.080.

For Use of Obscene Language or Proposals on Telephone, see Kentucky Code Section 438.230.

Legislative Update: Under the new law in Kentucky, a plea or verdict of guilty to the offense of stalking in the first or second degree operates as an application for a civil restraining order limiting contact between the victim and the stalker, unless the victim requests otherwise. An order issued pursuant to the provisions of HB 428, enacted on April 1, 2002, may prohibit the defendant from entering into the victim’s residence, property, school, or place of employment; from contacting the victim personally or through an agent; or from initiating any personal, written, telephonic, electronic, or any other communication likely to seriously alarm, annoy, intimidate, or harass the victim. Such an order may be valid for up to ten years with the specific duration to be determined by the court based on such factors as the probability of future violations and the safety of the victim or an immediate family member of the victim. A person who violates a stalking restraining order commits a class A misdemeanor, and is subject to a mandatory warrantless arrest by a law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred.

LOUISIANA

Rev. Stat. Section 14:40.2. STALKING. 1992. Amended 1997.

A. Stalking is the willful, malicious, and repeated following or harassing of another person, with the intent to place that person in fear of death or serious bodily injury.

B. (1) Whoever commits the crime of stalking may be imprisoned or not more than one year or fined not more than two thousand dollars, or both.

(2) Any person who commits the offense of stalking and who is found by the trier of fact, whether the jury at a jury trial, the judge at a bench trial, or the judge at a sentencing hearing following a jury trial, beyond a reasonable doubt to have placed the victim of the stalking in fear of death or bodily injury by the actual use of or the defendant’s having in his possession during the instances which make up the crime of stalking, a dangerous weapon shall be fined one thousand dollars or imprisoned with or without hard labor for one year, or both. Whether or not the defendant’s use of or his possession of the dangerous weapon is a crime or, if a crime, whether or not he is charged for that offense separately or in addition to the crime of stalking shall have no bearing or relevance as to the enhanced sentence under the provisions of this Paragraph.

(3) Any person who commits the offense of stalking against a person for whose benefit a protective order, a temporary restraining order or an injunction is in effect in either a civil or criminal proceeding, protecting the victims of the stalking from acts by the offender which would otherwise constitute the crime of stalking, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than ninety days and not more than two years and fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

(4) Upon a second conviction occurring within seven years of a prior conviction for stalking of the same victim, the offender shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than one hundred eighty days and not more than three years, and may be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

(5) Upon a third or subsequent conviction occurring within seven years of of a prior conviction for stalking, the offender shall be imprisoned with or without hard labor for not less than two years and not more than 5 years, and may be fined for not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

(6)(a) Any person thirteen years of age or older who commits the crime of stalking against a child twelve years of age or younger and who is found by the trier of fact, whether the jury at a jury trial, the judge at a bench trial, or the judge at a sentencing hearing following a jury trial, beyond a reasonable doubt to have placed the child in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury, or in reasonable fear of the death or bodily injury of a family member of the child shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year and not more than three years and fined not less than fifteen hundred dollars and not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

(b) Lack of knowledge of the child’s age shall not be a defense.

C. For the purposes of this Section, the following words shall have the following meanings:

(1) ‘Harassing’ means engaging in a knowing and willful pattern of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, or distresses the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. The conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress and must actually cause substantial emotional distress to the person.

(2) `Pattern of conduct’ means a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing an intent to inflict a continuity of emotional distress upon the person. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of pattern of conduct.

(D) As used in this section, when the victim of the stalking is a child twelve years old or younger:

(1) Pattern of conduct includes repeated acts of nonconsensual contact involving the victim or a family member.

(2) Family member includes:

(a) A child, parent, grandparent, sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece, of the victim, whether related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

(b) A person who lives in the same household as the victim

(3)(a) Nonconsensual contact means any contact with a child twelve years old or younger that is initiated or continued without the child’s consent, that is beyond the scope of the consent provided by that child, or that is in disregard of that child’s expressed desire that the contact be avoided or discontinued.

(b) Nonconsensual contact includes:

(i) Following or appearing within the sight of that child.

(ii) Approaching or confronting that child in a public place or on private property.

(iii) Appearing at the residence of that child.

(iv) Entering onto or remaining on property occupied by that child.

(v) Contacting that child by telephone.

(vi) Sending mail or electronic communications to that child.

(vii) Placing an object on, or delivering an object to, property occupied by that child.

(c) Nonconsensual contact does not include any otherwise lawful act by a parent, totor, caretaker, mandatory reporter, or other person having legal custody of the child as those terms are defined in the Louisiana Children’s Code.

(4) Victim means the child who is the target of the stalking.

In June 2001, SB 196 was enacted into law. More specifically, the new legislation redefines the crime of stalking by eliminating the specific intent requirement and by lowering the level of fear the victim must experience as a result of the conduct. The statute imposes minimum and mandatory penalties for first-time convictions and requires any person convicted of stalking to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. The new law also broadens the definition of harassing behavior to include telephone calls, e-mail, messages conveyed through third parties, pictures, and letters.

MAINE

17-A – 210-A. Stalking. 1995.

1. A person is guilty of stalking if:

A. The person intentionally or knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at another specific person that would in fact cause a reasonable person:

(1) To suffer intimidation or serious inconvenience, annoyance or alarm;

(2) To fear bodily injury or to fear bodily injury to a member of that person’s immediate family; or

(3) To fear death or to fear the death of a member of that person’s immediate family; and

B. The person’s course of conduct in fact causes the other specific person:

(1) To suffer intimidation or serious inconvenience, annoyance or alarm;

(2) To fear bodily injury or to fear bodily injury to a member of that person’s immediate family; or

(3) To fear death or to fear the death of a member of that person’s immediate family.

2. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. “Course of conduct” means repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person or repeatedly conveying oral or written threats, threats implied by conduct or a combination of threats and conduct directed at or toward a person. For purposes of this section, “course of conduct” also includes, but is not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to personal, medical, financial or other identifying information, including access by computer network, mail, telephone or written communication.

“Course of conduct” does not include activity protected by the Constitution of Maine, the United States Constitution or by state or federal statute.

B. “Immediate family” means a spouse, parent, child, sibling, stepchild, stepparent or any person who regularly resides in the household or who within the prior 6 months regularly resided in the household.

C. “Repeatedly” means on 2 or more occasions.

3. Stalking is a Class D crime for which the court shall impose a sentencing alternative involving a term of imprisonment of at least 60 days, of which 48 hours may not be suspended, and may order the actor to attend an abuser education program approved by the court, except that stalking is a Class C crime when the actor has 2 or more prior convictions for violations of this section, 2 or more convictions under Title 5, section 4659; Title 15, section 321; or Title 19, section 769 or 2 or more prior convictions for violations of any other temporary, emergency, interim or final protective order, an order of a tribal court of the Passamaquoddy Tribe or the Penobscot Nation, any similar order issued by any court of the United States or of any other state, territory, commonwealth or tribe or a court-approved consent agreement. The court shall impose a sentencing alternative involving a term of imprisonment, in the case of a Class C crime, of at least 6 months, of which 14 days may not be suspended, and may order the actor to attend an abuser education program approved by the court. For purposes of this subsection, the dates of both of the prior convictions must precede the commission of the offense being enhanced by no more than 10 years, although both prior convictions may have occurred on the same day. Stalking is not a Class C crime if the commission of the 2 prior offenses occurred within a 3-day period. The date of the conviction is determined to be the date that the sentence is imposed, even though an appeal was taken. The date of a commission of a prior offense is presumed to be that stated in the complaint, information, indictment or other formal charging instrument, notwithstanding the use of the words “on or about” or the equivalent.

MARYLAND

Art. 27 ‘ 124. Stalking. 1998.

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) “Course of conduct” means a persistent pattern of conduct, composed of a series of acts over a period of time, that evidences a continuity of purpose.

(3) “Stalking” means a malicious course of conduct that includes approaching or pursuing another person with intent to place that person in reasonable fear:

(i) Of serious bodily injury or death; or

(ii) That a third person likely will suffer serious bodily injury or death.

(b) A person may not engage in stalking.

(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than 5 years or both.

(d) A sentence imposed under this section may be imposed separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for any other offense based upon the act or acts establishing a violation of this section.

MASSACHUSETTS

Chapter 265: Section 43. Stalking; punishment.

(a) Whoever (1) willfully and maliciously engages in a knowing pattern of conduct or series of acts over a period of time directed at a specific person which seriously alarms or annoys that person and would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and (2) makes a threat with the intent to place the person in imminent fear of death or bodily injury, shall be guilty of the crime of stalking and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than two and one-half years or both. Such conduct, acts or threats described in this paragraph shall include, but not be limited to, conduct, acts or threats conducted by mail or by use of a telephonic or telecommunication device including, but not limited to, electronic mail, internet communications and facsimile communications.

(b) Whoever commits the crime of stalking in violation of a temporary or permanent vacate, restraining, or no-contact order or judgment issued pursuant to sections eighteen, thirty-four B, or thirty-four C of chapter two hundred and eight; or section thirty-two of chapter two hundred and nine; or sections three, four, or five of chapter two hundred and nine A; or sections fifteen or twenty of chapter two hundred and nine C or a protection order issued by another jurisdiction; or a temporary restraining order or preliminary or permanent injunction issued by the superior court, shall be punished by imprisonment in a jail or the state prison for not less than one year and not more than five years. No sentence imposed under the provisions of this subsection shall be less than a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of one year.

A prosecution commenced hereunder shall not be placed on file or continued without a finding, and the sentence imposed upon a person convicted of violating any provision of this subsection shall not be reduced to less than the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment as established herein, nor shall said sentence of imprisonment imposed upon any person be suspended or reduced until such person shall have served said mandatory term of imprisonment.

A person convicted of violating any provision of this subsection shall not, until he shall have served the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment established herein, be eligible for probation, parole, furlough, work release or receive any deduction from his sentence for good conduct under sections one hundred and twenty-nine, one hundred and twenty-nine C and one hundred and twenty-nine D of chapter one hundred and twenty-seven; provided, however, that the commissioner of correction may, on the recommendation of the warden, superintendent, or other person in charge of a correctional institution, grant to said offender a temporary release in the custody of an officer of such institution for the following purposes only: to attend the funeral of next of kin or spouse; to visit a critically ill close relative or spouse; or to obtain emergency medical services unavailable at said institution. The provisions of section eighty-seven of chapter two hundred and seventy-six relating to the power of the court to place certain offenders on probation shall not apply to any person seventeen years of age or over charged with a violation of this subsection. The provisions of section thirty-one of chapter two hundred and seventy-nine shall not apply to any person convicted of violating any provision of this subsection.

(c) Whoever, after having been convicted of the crime of stalking, commits a second or subsequent such crime shall be punished by imprisonment in a jail or the
state prison for not less than two years and not more than ten years. No sentence imposed under the provisions of this subsection shall be less than a mandatory
minimum term of imprisonment of two years.

A prosecution commenced hereunder shall not be placed on file or continued without a finding, and the sentence imposed upon a person convicted of violating any provision of this subsection shall not be reduced to less than the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment as established herein, nor shall said sentence of imprisonment imposed upon any person be suspended or reduced until such person shall have served said mandatory term of imprisonment.

A person convicted of violating any provision of this subsection shall not, until he shall have served the mandatory minimum term of imprisonment established herein, be eligible for probation, parole, furlough, work release or receive any deduction from his sentence for good conduct under sections one hundred and twenty-nine, one hundred and twenty-nine C and one hundred and twenty-nine D of chapter one hundred and twenty-seven; provided, however, that the commissioner of correction may, on the recommendation of the warden, superintendent, or other person in charge of a correctional institution, grant to said offender a temporary release in the custody of an officer of such institution for the following purposes only: to attend the funeral of next of kin or spouse; to visit a critically ill close relative or spouse; or to obtain emergency medical services unavailable at said institution. The provisions of section eighty-seven of chapter two hundred and seventy-six relating to the power of the court to place certain offenders on probation shall not apply to any person seventeen years of age or over charged with a violation of this subsection. The provisions of section thirty-one of chapter two hundred and seventy-nine shall not apply to any person convicted of violating any provision of this section.

MICHIGAN

750.411h Stalking; definitions; violation as misdemeanor; penalties; probation; conditions; evidence of continued conduct as rebuttable presumption; additional penalties. 1998.

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of 2 or more separate noncontinuous acts evidencing a continuity of purpose.

(b) “Emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or distress that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.

(c) “Harassment” means conduct directed toward a victim that includes, but is not limited to, repeated or continuing unconsented contact that would cause a reasonable individual to suffer emotional distress and that actually causes the victim to suffer emotional distress. does not include constitutionally protected activity or conduct that serves a legitimate purpose.(d) “Stalking” means a willful course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment of another individual that would cause a person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested.

(e) “Unconsented contact” means any contact with another individual that is initiated or continued without that individual’s consent or in disregard of that individual’s expressed desire that the contact be avoided or discontinued. Unconsented contact includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:

(i) Following or appearing within the sight of that individual.

(ii) Approaching or confronting that individual in a public place or on private property.

(iii) Appearing at that individual’s workplace or residence.

(iv) Entering onto or remaining on property owned, leased, or occupied by that individual.

(v) Contacting that individual by telephone.

(vi) Sending mail or electronic communications to that individual.

(vii) Placing an object on, or delivering an object to, property owned, leased, or occupied by that individual.

(f) “Victim” means an individual who is the target of a willful course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment.

(2) An individual who engages in stalking is guilty of a crime as follows:

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.

(b) If the victim was less than 18 years of age at any time during the individual’s course of conduct and the individual is 5 or more years older than the victim, a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than $10,000.00, or both.

(3) The court may place an individual convicted of violating this section on probation for a term of not more than 5 years. If a term of probation is ordered, the court may, in addition to any other lawful condition of probation, order the defendant to do any of the following:

(a) Refrain from stalking any individual during the term of probation.

(b) Refrain from having any contact with the victim of the offense.

(c) Be evaluated to determine the need for psychiatric, psychological, or social counseling and if, determined appropriate by the court, to receive psychiatric, psychological, or social counseling at his or her own expense.

(4) In a prosecution for a violation of this section, evidence that the defendant continued to engage in a course of conduct involving repeated unconsented contact with the victim after having been requested by the victim to discontinue the same or a different form of unconsented contact, and to refrain from any further unconsented contact with the victim, gives rise to a rebuttable presumption that the continuation of the course of conduct caused the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested.

(5) A criminal penalty provided for under this section may be imposed in addition to any penalty that may be imposed for any other criminal offense arising from the same conduct or for any contempt of court arising from the same conduct.

750.411i Definitions; aggravated stalking; circumstances; violation as felony; penalty; probation; additional conditions of probation; effect of continued course of conduct; rebuttable presumption; additional penalty. 1998.

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of 2 or more separate noncontinuous acts evidencing a continuity of purpose.

(b) “Credible threat” means a threat to kill another individual or a threat to inflict physical injury upon another individual that is made in any manner or in any context that causes the individual hearing or receiving the threat to reasonably fear for his or her safety or the safety of another individual.

(c) “Emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or distress that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.

(d) “Harassment” means conduct directed toward a victim that includes, but is not limited to, repeated or continuing unconsented contact that would cause a reasonable individual to suffer emotional distress and that actually causes the victim to suffer emotional distress. Harassment does not include constitutionally protected activity or conduct that serves a legitimate purpose.

(e) “Stalking” means a willful course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment of another individual that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested.

(f) “Unconsented contact” means any contact with another individual that is initiated or continued without that individual’s consent or in disregard of that individual’s expressed desire that the contact be avoided or discontinued. Unconsented contact includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:

(i) Following or appearing within the sight of that individual.

(ii) Approaching or confronting that individual in a public place or on private property.

(iii) Appearing at that individual’s workplace or residence.

(iv) Entering onto or remaining on property owned, leased, or occupied by that individual.

(v) Contacting that individual by telephone.

(vi) Sending mail or electronic communications to that individual.

(vii) Placing an object on, or delivering an object to, property owned, leased, or occupied by that individual.

(g) “Victim” means an individual who is the target of a willful course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment.

(2) An individual who engages in stalking is guilty of aggravated stalking if the violation involves any of the following circumstances:

(a) At least 1 of the actions constituting the offense is in violation of a restraining order and the individual has received actual notice of that restraining order or at least 1 of the actions is in violation of an injunction or preliminary injunction.

(b) At least 1 of the actions constituting the offense is in violation of a condition of probation, a condition of parole, a condition of pretrial release, or a condition of release on bond pending appeal.

(c) The course of conduct includes the making of 1 or more credible threats against the victim, a member of the victim’s family, or another individual living in the same household as the victim.

(d) The individual has been previously convicted of a violation of this section or section 411h.

(3) Aggravated stalking is a felony punishable as follows:

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than $10,000.00, or both.

(b) If the victim was less than 18 years of age at any time during the individual’s course of conduct and the individual is 5 or more years older than the victim, by imprisonment for not more than 10 years or a fine of not more than $15,000.00, or both.

(4) The court may place an individual convicted of violating this section on probation for any term of years, but not less than 5 years. If a term of probation is ordered, the court may, in addition to any other lawful condition of probation, order the defendant to do any of the following:

(a) Refrain from stalking any individual during the term of probation.

(b) Refrain from any contact with the victim of the offense.

(c) Be evaluated to determine the need for psychiatric, psychological, or social counseling and, if determined appropriate by the court, to receive psychiatric, psychological, or social counseling at his or her own expense.

(5) In a prosecution for a violation of this section, evidence that the defendant continued to engage in a course of conduct involving repeated unconsented contact with the victim after having been requested by the victim to discontinue the same or a different form of unconsented contact, and to refrain from any further unconsented contact with the victim, gives rise to a rebuttable presumption that the continuation of the course of conduct caused the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested.

(6) A criminal penalty provided for under this section may be imposed in addition to any penalty that may be imposed for any other criminal offense arising from the same conduct or for contempt of court arising from the same conduct.

New amendments to the criminal stalking law, which went into effect on April 1, 2001, make it illegal for a person to post a message through an electronic medium including the Internet or a computer, without the victim’s consent, if: the person knows or has reason to know that the message could cause 2 or more separate acts of unconsented contact with the victim, the perpetrator intends to make the victim feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or harassed, and the conduct actually causes the victim to suffer emotional distress and to feel terrorized, frightened, itimidated, or harassed. Violations of statute constitute felonies and can carry prison sentences of up to 2 years or fines of up to $2,000. The new law also provides enhanced felony penalties of up to 5 years in prison or fines of up to $10,000 if the posted message is in violation of a restraining order, injunction, condition of pretrial release, probation, or parole.

MINNESOTA

609.749 Harassment; stalking; penalties. 1998.

Subdivision 1. Definition. As used in this section, “harass” means to engage in intentional conduct which:

(1) the actor knows or has reason to know would cause the victim under the circumstances to feel frightened, threatened, oppressed, persecuted, or intimidated; and

(2) causes this reaction on the part of the victim.

Subd. 1a. No proof of specific intent required. In a prosecution under this section, the state is not required to prove that the actor intended to cause the victim to feel frightened, threatened, oppressed, persecuted, or intimidated, or except as otherwise provided in subdivision 3, clause (4), that the actor intended to cause any other result.

Subd. 2. Harassment and stalking crimes. (a) A person who harasses another by committing any of the following acts is guilty of a gross misdemeanor:

(1) directly or indirectly manifests a purpose or intent to injure the person, property, or rights of another by the commission of an unlawful act;

(2) stalks, follows, or pursues another;

(3) returns to the property of another if the actor is without claim of right to the property or consent of one with authority to consent;

(4) repeatedly makes telephone calls, or induces a victim to make telephone calls to the actor, whether or not conversation ensues;

(5) makes or causes the telephone of another repeatedly or continuously to ring;

(6) repeatedly mails or delivers or causes the delivery of letters, telegrams, messages, packages, or other objects; or

(7) knowingly makes false allegations against a peace officer concerning the officer’s performance of official duties with intent to influence or tamper with the officer’s performance of official duties.

(b) The conduct described in paragraph (a), clauses (4) and (5), may be prosecuted at the place where any call is either made or received. The conduct described in paragraph (a), clause (6), may be prosecuted where any letter, telegram, message, package, or other object is either sent or received.

(c) A peace officer may not make a warrantless, custodial arrest of any person for a violation of paragraph (a), clause (7).

Subd. 3. Aggravated violations. A person who commits any of the following acts is guilty of a felony:

(1) commits any offense described in subdivision 2 because of the victim’s or another’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability as defined in section 363.01, age, or national origin;

(2) commits any offense described in subdivision 2 by falsely impersonating another;

(3) commits any offense described in subdivision 2 and possesses a dangerous weapon at the time of the offense;

(4) engages in harassing conduct, as defined in subdivision 1, with intent to influence or otherwise tamper with a juror or a judicial proceeding or with intent to retaliate against a judicial officer, as defined in section 609.415, or a prosecutor, defense attorney, or officer of the court, because of that person’s performance of official duties in connection with a judicial proceeding; or

(5) commits any offense described in subdivision 2 against a victim under the age of 18, if the actor is more than 36 months older than the victim.

Subd. 4. Second or subsequent violations; felony. A person is guilty of a felony who violates any provision of subdivision 2 during the time period between a previous conviction under this section; sections 609.221 to 609.2242; 518B.01, subdivision 14; 609.748, subdivision 6; or 609.713, subdivision 1 or 3; and the end of the ten years following discharge from sentence for that conviction.

Subd. 5. Pattern of harassing conduct. (a) A person who engages in a pattern of harassing conduct with respect to a single victim or one or more members of a single household which the actor knows or has reason to know would cause the victim under the circumstances to feel terrorized or to fear bodily harm and which does cause this reaction on the part of the victim, is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $ 20,000, or both.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, a “pattern of harassing conduct” means two or more acts within a five-year period that violate the provisions of any of the following:

(1) this section;

(2) section 609.713;

(3) section 609.224;

(4) section 609.2242;

(5) section 518B.01, subdivision 14;

(6) section 609.748, subdivision 6;

(7) section 609.605, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), clauses (3), (4), and (7);

(8) section 609.79;

(9) section 609.795;

(10) section 609.582;

(11) section 609.595; or

(12) section 609.765.

(c) When acts constituting a violation of this subdivision are committed in two or more counties, the accused may be prosecuted in any county in which one of the acts was committed for all acts constituting the pattern.

Subd. 6. Mental health assessment and treatment. (a) When a person is convicted of a felony offense under this section, or another felony offense arising out of a charge based on this section, the court shall order an independent professional mental health assessment of the offender’s need for mental health treatment. The court may waive the assessment if an adequate assessment was conducted prior to the conviction.

(b) Notwithstanding section 13.42, 13.85, 144.335, or 260.161, the assessor has access to the following private or confidential data on the person if access is relevant and necessary for the assessment:

(1) medical data under section 13.42;

(2) welfare data under section 13.46;

(3) corrections and detention data under section 13.85;

(4) health records under section 144.335; and

(5) juvenile court records under section 260.161.

Data disclosed under this section may be used only for purposes of the assessment and may not be further disclosed to any other person, except as authorized by law.

(c) If the assessment indicates that the offender is in need of and amenable to mental health treatment, the court shall include in the sentence a requirement that the offender undergo treatment.

(d) The court shall order the offender to pay the costs of assessment under this subdivision unless the offender is indigent under section 563.01.

Subd. 7. Exception. Conduct is not a crime under this section if it is performed under terms of a valid license, to ensure compliance with a court order, or to carry out a specific lawful commercial purpose or employment duty, is authorized or required by a valid contract, or is authorized, required, or protected by state or federal law or the state or federal constitutions.

Subdivision 2, clause (2), does not impair the right of any individual or group to engage in speech protected by the federal constitution, the state constitution, or federal or state law, including peaceful and lawful handbilling and picketing.

Subd. 8. Stalking; firearms. (a) When a person is convicted of a harassment or stalking crime under this section and the court determines that the person used a firearm in any way during commission of the crime, the court may order that the person is prohibited from possessing any type of firearm for any period longer than three years or for the remainder of the person’s life. A person who violates this paragraph is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. At the time of the conviction, the court shall inform the defendant whether and for how long the defendant is prohibited from possessing a firearm and that it is a gross misdemeanor to violate this paragraph. The failure of the court to provide this information to a defendant does not affect the applicability of the firearm possession prohibition or the gross misdemeanor penalty to that defendant.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (a), when a person is convicted of a stalking or harassment crime under this section, the court shall inform the defendant that the defendant is prohibited from possessing a pistol for three years from the date of conviction and that it is a gross misdemeanor offense to violate this prohibition. The failure of the court to provide this information to a defendant does not affect the applicability of the pistol possession prohibition or the gross misdemeanor penalty to that defendant.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (a), a person is not entitled to possess a pistol if the person has been convicted after August 1, 1996, of a stalking or harassment crime under this section, unless three years have elapsed from the date of conviction and, during that time, the person has not been convicted of any other violation of this section. Property rights may not be abated but access may be restricted by the courts. A person who possesses a pistol in violation of this paragraph is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

(d) If the court determines that a person convicted of a stalking or harassment crime under this section owns or possesses a firearm and used it in any way during the commission of the crime, it shall order that the firearm be summarily forfeited under section 609.5316, subdivision 3.

Legislative Update: S.F. 3172, enacted on May 21, 2002, amended Minnesota’s stalking law to, among other things, expand the law’s definition of aggravated harassing conduct to include acts of criminal sexual conduct as offenses which may be considered to establish a pattern of harassing conduct. In addition, specific penalties for certain violations under the law were added, including making it a felony for stalking a victim under eighteen when the stalker is more than thirty-six months older than the victim and the conduct is committed with sexual or aggressive intent. That crime is punishable for up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $20,000, or both.

MISSISSIPPI

Section 97-3-107. STALKING.

“(1) Any person who willfully, maliciously and repeatedly follows or harasses another person, or who makes a credible threat, with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or great bodily injury is guilty of the crime of stalking, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one (1) year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(2) Any person who violates subsection (1) of this section when there is a temporary restraining order or an injunction in effect prohibiting the behavior described in subsection (1) of this section against the same party, shall be punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than…(1) year or by a fine of not more than…($1,000.00).

(3) A second or subsequent conviction occurring within seven (7) years of a prior conviction under subsection (1) of this section against the same victim, and involving an act of violence or `a credible threat’ of violence as defined in subsection (5) of this section, shall be punishable by imprisonment for not more than two (2) years or by a fine of not more than…($2,000.00).

(4) For the purposes of this section, `harasses’ means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, or harasses the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress to the person. `Course of conduct’ means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of `course of conduct’.

(5) For the purposes of this section, `a credible threat’ means a threat made with the intent and the apparent ability to carry out the threat so as to cause the person who is the target of the threat to reasonably fear for his or her safety.”

Current through 1997.

Related provisions:

For the offense of using profane and indecent language over the telephone, see Mississippi code section 97-29-45.

For the offense of disturbing a person by the use of abusive language or indecent exposure, a misdemeanor, see Mississippi Code section 97-35-11.

MISSOURI

565.225 – 1993. Crime of stalking–definitions–penalties.

1. As used in this section, the following terms shall mean:

(1) “Course of conduct”, a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct”. Such constitutionally protected activity includes picketing or other organized protests;

(2) “Credible threat”, a threat made with the intent to cause the person who is the target of the threat to reasonably fear for his or her safety. The threat must be against the life of, or a threat to cause physical injury to, a person;

(3) “Harasses”, to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that serves no legitimate purpose, that would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and that actually causes substantial emotional distress to that person.

2. Any person who purposely and repeatedly harasses or follows with the intent of harassing another person commits the crime of stalking.

3. Any person who purposely and repeatedly harasses or follows with the intent of harassing or harasses another person, and makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person inreasonable fear of death or serious physical injury, commits the crime of aggravated stalking.

4. The crime of stalking shall be a class A misdemeanor for the first offense. A second or subsequent offense within five years of a previous finding or plea of guilt against any victim shall be a class D felony.

5. The crime of aggravated stalking shall be a class D felony for the first offense. A second or subsequent offense within five years of a previous finding or plea of guilt against any victim shall be a class C felony.

6. Any law enforcement officer may arrest, without a warrant, any person he or she has probable cause to believe has violated the provisions of this section.

Legislative Update: SB 969, signed by Governor Bob Holden on July 10, 2002, broadens the state’s stalking statute to include conduct and threats that are communicated through electronic means. The legislation creates a new first degree invasion of privacy crime and expands the definition of invasion of privacy in the second degree to include elements of video voyeurism. Additionally, the law establishes the Missouri Regional Computer Forensics Lab to prevent and reduce computer, internet and other electronically based crimes.

MONTANA

45-5-220. Stalking — exemption — penalty.

(1) A person commits the offense of stalking if the person purposely or knowingly causes another person substantial emotional distress or reasonable apprehension of bodily injury or death by repeatedly:

(a) following the stalked person; or

(b) harassing, threatening, or intimidating the stalked person, in person or by phone, by mail, or by other action, device, or method.

(2) This section does not apply to a constitutionally protected activity.

(3) For the first offense, a person convicted of stalking shall be imprisoned in the county jail for a term not to exceed 1 year or fined an amount not to exceed $1,000, or both. For a second or subsequent offense or for a first offense against a victim who was under the protection of a restraining order directed at the offender, the offender shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term not to exceed 5 years or fined an amount not to exceed $10,000, or both. A person convicted of stalking may be sentenced to pay all medical, counseling, and other costs incurred by or on behalf of the victim as a result of the offense.

(4) Upon presentation of credible evidence of violation of this section, an order may be granted, as set forth in Title 40, chapter 15, restraining a person from engaging in the activity described in subsection (1).

(5) For the purpose of determining the number of convictions under this section, “conviction” means:

(a) a conviction, as defined in 45-2-101 , in this state;

(b) a conviction for a violation of a statute similar to this section in another state; or

(c) a forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure the defendant’s appearance in court in this state or another state for a violation of a statute similar to this section, which forfeiture has not been vacated.

(6) Attempts by the accused person to contact or follow the stalked person after the accused person has been given actual notice that the stalked person does not want to be contacted or followed constitutes prima facie evidence that the accused person purposely or knowingly followed, harassed, threatened, or intimidated the stalked person.

History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 292, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 350, L. 1995.

NEBRASKA

28-311.02. Stalking and harassment; legislative intent; terms, defined. 1998.

(1) It is the intent of the Legislature to enact laws dealing with stalking offenses which will protect victims from being willfully harassed, intentionally terrified, threatened, or intimidated by individuals who intentionally follow, detain, stalk, or harass them or impose any restraint on their personal liberty and which will not prohibit constitutionally protected activities.

(2) For purposes of sections 28-311.02 to 28-311.05, 28-311.09, and 28-311.10:

(a) Harass means to engage in a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously terrifies, threatens, or intimidates the person and which serves no legitimate purpose; and

(b) Course of conduct means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose, including a series of acts of following, detaining, restraining the personal liberty of, or stalking the person or telephoning, contacting, or otherwise communicating with the person.

28-311.03. Stalking. 1998.

Any person who willfully harasses another person with the intent to injure, terrify, threaten, or intimidate commits the offense of stalking.

28-311.04. Stalking; violations; penalties. 1993.

Any person convicted of violating section 28-311.03 shall be guilty of a Class I misdemeanor, except that any person convicted of violating such section who has a prior conviction under such section within the last seven years for acts committed against the same victim shall be guilty of a Class IV felony.

28-311.05. Stalking; not applicable to certain conduct. 1998.

Sections 28-311.02 to 28-311.04, 28-311.09, and 28-311.10 shall not apply to conduct which occurs during labor picketing.

NEVADA

200.575 – 1995. Stalking: Definitions; penalties.

1. A person who, without lawful authority, willfully or maliciously engages in a course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated or harassed, and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated or harassed, commits the crime of stalking. Except where the provisions of subsection 2 are applicable, a person who commits the crime of stalking:

(a) For the first offense, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) For any subsequent offense, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

2. A person who:

(a) Commits the crime of stalking and in conjunction therewith threatens the person with the intent to cause him to be placed in reasonable fear of death or substantial bodily harm;

(b) Commits the crime of stalking on his spouse while a proceeding for the dissolution of their marriage is pending for which he has actual or legal notice or within 6 months after entry of the final decree of dissolution; or

(c) Commits the crime of stalking on a person with whom he has a child in common while a proceeding for the custody of that child is pending for which he has actual or legal notice, commits the crime of aggravated stalking.

3. A person who commits the crime of aggravated stalking shall be punished:

(a) If he commits the crime set forth in paragraph (a) of subsection 2, for a category B felony by imprisonment in the state prison for a minimum term of not less than 2 years and a maximum term of not more than 15 years, and may be further punished by a fine of not more than $5,000.

(b) If he commits the crime set forth in paragraph (b) or (c) of subsection 2:

(1) For the first offense, for a gross misdemeanor.

(2) For the second and any subsequent offense, for a category B felony by imprisonment in the state prison for a minimum term of not less than 2 years and a maximum term of not more than 15 years, and may be further punished by a fine of not more than $5,000.

4. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2 of NRS 200.571, a criminal penalty provided for in this section may be imposed in addition to any penalty that may be imposed for any other criminal offense arising from the same conduct or for any contempt of court arising from the same conduct.

5. The penalties provided in this section do not preclude the victim from seeking any other legal remedy available.

6. As used in this section:

(a) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct which consists of a series of acts over time that evidences a continuity of purpose directed at a specific person.

(b) “Without lawful authority” includes acts which are initiated or continued without the victim’s consent. The term does not include acts which are otherwise protected or authorized by constitutional or statutory law, regulation or order of a court of competent jurisdiction, including, but not limited to:

(1) Picketing which occurs during a strike, work stoppage or any other labor dispute.

(2) The activities of a reporter, photographer, cameraman or other person while gathering information for communication to the public if that person is employed or engaged by or has contracted with a newspaper, periodical, press association or radio or television station and is acting solely within that professional capacity.

(3) The activities of a person that are carried out in the normal course of his lawful employment.

(4) Any activities carried out in the exercise of the constitutionally protected rights of freedom of speech and assembly.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

633:3-a. Stalking. 1998.

I. As used in this section:

(a) “Intimidates” means to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person with the purpose of inflicting substantial emotional distress and which results in substantial emotional distress in the victim.

(b) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of acts on more than one occasion over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. “Course of conduct” shall not mean any constitutionally protected activity.

(c) “Explicit or implicit threat” means an act made with the intent to cause the person who is the target of the act to reasonably fear for his safety or which would cause a reasonable person to fear for his safety. The threat must be to cause death or bodily injury to a person.

(d) “Stalk” means any of the following:

(1) To follow another person from place to place on more than one occasion for no legitimate purpose with the intent to place such person in fear for his personal safety; or

(2) To appear on more than one occasion for no legitimate purpose in proximity to the residence, place of employment, or other place where another person is found with the intent to place such person in fear for his personal safety; or

(3) To follow another person from place to place on more than one occasion for no legitimate purpose under circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his personal safety; or

(4) To appear on more than one occasion for no legitimate purpose in proximity to the residence, place of employment, or other place where another person is found under circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his personal safety; or

(5) After being served with, or otherwise provided notice of, a protective order pursuant to RSA 173-B, RSA 458:16, or paragraph III-a of this section, or an order that prohibits the person from having contact with specific individuals pursuant to RSA 597:2, on a single occasion and in violation of the provisions of such order to:

(A) Follow another person from place to place; or

(B) Appear in proximity to any other place described in the protective order or bail order.

II. A person is guilty of stalking if such person:

(a) Purposely or knowingly stalks another as defined in RSA 633:3-a, I(d)(1) or (2);

(b) Purposely, knowingly or recklessly stalks another as defined in RSA 633:3-a, I(d)(3), (4) or (5); or

(c) Purposely or knowingly intimidates another and makes an explicit or implicit threat against another.

III. For purposes of this section, a person who engages in acts which would constitute stalking after having been advised by a law enforcement officer as defined in RSA 630:1, II that the person’s acts were in violation of this chapter, or a person who has been served with a protective order issued pursuant to paragraph III-a of this section, shall be presumed to have acted knowingly.

III-a. A person who has been the victim of stalking as defined in this section may seek relief by filing a petition in the district court or the superior court in the county or district where the plaintiff or defendant resides. Upon a showing of stalking by a preponderance of the evidence, the court shall grant such relief as is necessary to bring about a cessation of stalking. The types of relief that may be granted, the procedures and burdens of proof to be applied in such proceedings, the methods of notice, service, and enforcement of such orders, and the penalties for violation thereof shall be the same as those set forth in RSA 173-B.

IV. In any complaint, information, or indictment brought for the enforcement of any provision of this statute, it shall not be necessary to negate any exception, excuse, proviso, or exemption contained herein and the burden of proof of any exception, excuse, proviso, or exemption shall be upon the defendant.

V. Any law enforcement officer may arrest, without a warrant, any person that the officer has probable cause to believe has violated the provisions of this section when the offense occurred within 6 hours, regardless of whether the crime occurred in the presence of the officer. A law enforcement officer shall arrest a person when he has probable cause to believe a violation of the provisions of this section has occurred within the last 6 hours when the offense involves a violation of a protective order issued pursuant to RSA 173-B, RSA 458:16, or paragraph III-a of this section.

VI. (a) Any person convicted of a violation of this section and who has one or more prior stalking convictions in this state or another state when the second or subsequent offense occurs within 7 years following the date of the first or prior offense shall be guilty of a class B felony.

(b) In all other cases, any person who is convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

VII. If any provision or application of this section or the application thereof to a person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this section which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications, and to this end the provisions of this section are severable.

Legislative Update: HB 1285, which takes effect on January 1, 2003, amends New Hampshire’s stalking statute to extend the relief available under civil protective orders to stalking victims who are minors. A separate bill, HB 1286, increases the time in which a warrantless arrest may be made for the violation of a stalking protective order from six to twelve hours after the violation occurs.

NEW JERSEY

2C:12-10. Definitions; stalking designated a crime; degrees. 1999.

a. As used in this act:

(1) “Course of conduct” means repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person or repeatedly conveying verbal or written threats or threats implied by conduct or a combination thereof directed at or toward a person.

(2) “Repeatedly” means on two or more occasions.

(3) “Immediate family” means a spouse, parent, child, sibling or any other person who regularly resides in the household or who within the prior six months regularly resided in the household.

b. A person is guilty of stalking, a crime of the fourth degree, if he purposefully or knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily injury to himself or a member of his immediate family or to fear the death of himself or a member of his immediate family.

c. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he commits the crime of stalking in violation of an existing court order prohibiting the behavior.

d. A person who commits a second or subsequent offense of stalking against the same victim is guilty of a crime of the third degree.

e. A person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he commits the crime of stalking while serving a term of imprisonment or while on parole or probation as the result of a conviction for any indictable offense under the laws of this State, any other state or the United States.

f. This act shall not apply to conduct which occurs during organized group picketing.

AB 1332, which was approved on July 26, 2001, permits a victim of stalking or a member of that person’s immediate family, who is protected under the terms of a permanent restraining order who fears death or bodily injury from the defendant against whom the order is issued, to register to vote without disclosing a street address.

Another law, SB 1616, which was enacted on August 24, 2001, criminalizes the use of the Internet and other electronic communications devices to commit harassment or stalking.

NEW MEXICO

30-3A-2. Harassment; penalties. 1997.

A. Harassment consists of knowingly pursuing a pattern of conduct that is intended to annoy, seriously alarm or terrorize another person and that serves no lawful purpose. The conduct must be such that it would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress.

B. Whoever commits harassment is guilty of a misdemeanor.

30-3A-3. Stalking; penalties. 1997.

A. Stalking consists of a person knowingly pursuing a pattern of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to feel frightened, intimidated or threatened. The alleged stalker must intend to place another person in reasonable apprehension of death, bodily harm, sexual assault, confinement or restraint or the alleged stalker must intend to cause a reasonable person to fear for his safety or the safety of a household member. In furtherance of the stalking, the alleged stalker must commit one or more of the following acts on more than one occasion:

(1) following another person, in a place other than the residence of the alleged stalker;

(2) placing another person under surveillance by being present outside that person’s residence, school, workplace or motor vehicle or any other place frequented by that person, other than the residence of the alleged stalker; or

(3) harassing another person.

B. As used in this section, “household member” means a spouse, former spouse, family member, including a relative, parent, present or former step-parent, present or former in-law, child or co-parent of a child, or a person with whom the victim has had a continuing personal relationship. Cohabitation is not necessary to be deemed a household member for the purposes of this section.

C. Whoever commits stalking is guilty of a misdemeanor. Upon a second or subsequent conviction, the offender is guilty of a fourth degree felony.

D. In addition to any punishment provided pursuant to the provisions of this section, the court shall order a person convicted of stalking to participate in and complete a program of professional counseling at his own expense.

30-3A-3.1. Aggravated stalking; penalties. 1997.

A. Aggravated stalking consists of stalking perpetrated by a person:

(1) who knowingly violates a permanent or temporary order of protection issued by a court, except that mutual violations of such orders may constitute a defense to aggravated stalking;

(2) in violation of a court order setting conditions of release and bond;

(3) when the person is in possession of a deadly weapon; or

(4) when the victim is less than sixteen years of age.

B. Whoever commits aggravated stalking is guilty of a fourth degree felony. Upon a second or subsequent conviction, the offender is guilty of a third degree felony.

C. In addition to any punishment provided pursuant to the provisions of this section, the court shall order a person convicted of aggravated stalking to participate in and complete a program of professional counseling at his own expense.

30-3A-4. Exceptions. 1997.

The provisions of the [Harassment and] Stalking Act [30-3A-1 to 30-3A-4 NMSA 1978] do not apply to:

A. picketing or public demonstrations that are lawful or that arise out of a bona fide labor dispute; or

B. a peace officer in the performance of his duties.

NEW YORK

New York Penal Law § 120.40. Definitions.

For purposes of sections 120.45, 120.50, 120.55 and 120.60 of this article:

1. “Kidnapping” shall mean a kidnapping crime defined in article one hundred thirty-five of this chapter.

2. “Unlawful imprisonment” shall mean an unlawful imprisonment felony crime defined in article one hundred thirty-five of this chapter.

1. “Sex offense” shall mean a felony defined in article one hundred thirty of this chapter, sexual misconduct, as defined in section 130.20 of this chapter, sexual abuse in the third degree as defined in section 130.55 of this chapter or sexual abuse in the second degree as defined in section 130.60 of this chapter.

2. “Immediate family” means the spouse, former spouse, parent, child, sibling, or any other person who regularly resides or has regularly resided in the household of a person.

3. “Specified predicate crime” means:

A. A violent felony offense;

B. A crime defined in section 130.20, 130.25, 130.30, 130.40, 130.45,130.55, 130.60, 130.70 or 255.25;

C. Assault in the third degree, as defined in section 120.00; menacing in the first degree, as defined in section 120.13; menacing in the second degree, as defined in section 120.14; coercion in the first degree, as defined in section 135.65; coercion in the second degree, as defined in section 135.60; aggravated harassment in the second degree, as defined in section 240.30; harassment in the first degree, as defined in section 240.25; menacing in the third degree, as defined in section 120.15; criminal mischief in the third degree, as defined in section 145.05; criminal mischief in the second degree, as defined in section 145.10, criminal mischief in the first degree, as defined in section 145.12; criminal tampering in the first degree, as defined in section145.20; arson in the fourth degree, as defined in section 150.05; arson in the third degree, as defined in section 150.10; criminal contempt in the first degree, as defined in section 215.51; endangering the welfare of a child, as defined in section 260.10; or

D. Stalking in the fourth degree, as defined in section 120.45; stalking in the third degree, as defined in section 120.50; stalking in the second degree, as defined in section 120.55; or

E. An offense in any other jurisdiction which includes all of the essential elements of any such crime for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of one year or a sentence of death was authorized and is authorized in this state irrespective of whether such sentence was imposed.

§ 120.45 Stalking in the fourth degree.

A person is guilty of stalking in the fourth degree when he or she intentionally, and for no legitimate purpose, engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person, and knows or reasonably should know that such conduct:

1. Is likely to cause reasonable fear of material harm to the physical health, safety or property of such person, a member of such person’s immediate family or a third party with whom such person is acquainted; or

2. Causes material harm to the mental or emotional health of such person, where such conduct consists of following, telephoning or initiating communication or contact with such person, a member of such person’s immediate family or a third party with whom such person is acquainted, and the actor was previously clearly informed to cease that conduct; or

3. Is likely to cause such person to reasonably fear that his or her employment, business or career is threatened, where such conduct consists of appearing, telephoning or initiating communication or contact at such person’s place of employment or business, and the actor was previously clearly informed to cease that conduct.

Stalking in the fourth degree is a Class B misdemeanor.

§ 120.50 Stalking in the third degree.

A person is guilty of stalking in the third degree when he or she:

1. Commits the crime of stalking in the fourth degree in violation of section 120.45 of this article against three or more persons, in three or more separate transactions, for which the actor has not been previously convicted; or

2. Commits the crime of stalking in the fourth degree in violation of section 120.45 of this article against any person, and has previously been convicted, within the preceding ten years of a specified predicate crime, as defined in subdivision five of section 120.40 of this article, and the victim of such specified predicate crime is the victim, or an immediate family member of the victim, of the present offense; or

3. With intent to harass, annoy or alarm a specific person, intentionally engages in a course of conduct directed at such person which is likely to cause such person to reasonably fear physical injury or serious physical injury, the commission of a sex offense against, or the kidnaping, unlawful imprisonment or death of such person or a member of such person’s immediate family; or

4. Commits the crime of stalking in the fourth degree and has previously been convicted within the preceding ten years of stalking in the fourth degree.

Stalking in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor.

§ 120.55 Stalking in the second degree.

A person is guilty of stalking in the second degree when he or she:

1. Commits the crime of stalking in the third degree as defined in subdivision three of section 120.50 of this article and in the course of and in furtherance of the commission of such offense:

A. Displays, or possesses and threatens the use of, a firearm, pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, electronic dart gun, electronic stun gun, cane, sword, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, metal knuckles, chuka stick, sandbag, sandclub, slingshot, slug shot, shirker, “kung fu star”, dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, razor, stiletto, imitation pistol, dangerous instrument, deadly instrument or deadly weapon; or

B. Displays what appears to be a pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, machine gun or other firearm; or

2. Commits the crime of stalking in the third degree in violation of subdivision three of section 120.50 of this article against any person, and has previously been convicted, within the preceding five years, of a specified predicate crime as defined in subdivision five of section 120.40 of this article, and the victim of such specified predicate crime is the victim, or an immediate family member of the victim, of the present offense; or

3. Commits the crime of stalking in the fourth degree and has previously been convicted of stalking in the third degree as defined in subdivision four of section 120.50 of this article against any person; or

4. Being twenty-one years of age or older, repeatedly follows a person under the age of fourteen or engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts over a period of time intentionally placing or attempting to place such person who is under the age of fourteen in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death.

Stalking in the second degree is a Class E felony.

§ 120.60 Stalking in the first degree.

A person is guilty of stalking in the first degree when he or she commits the crime of stalking in the third degree as defined in subdivision three of section 120.50 of this article and, in the course and furtherance thereof, he or she:

1. Intentionally or recklessly causes physical injury to such person; or

2. Commits a Class A misdemeanor defined in article 130 of this chapter, or a Class E felony defined in section 130.25, 130.40 or 130.85 of this chapter, or a Class D felony described in section 130.30 or 130.45 of this chapter.

Stalking in the first degree is a Class D felony.

Note: New provisions covering criminal interference with health care services or religious worship were also added to the penal code by recent legislation.

NORTH CAROLINA

Ҥ 14-277.3. Stalking.

(a) Offense. — A person commits the offense of stalking if the person willfully on more than one occasion follows or is in the presence of another person without legal purpose and with the intent to cause death or bodily injury or with the intent to cause emotional distress by placing that person in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury.

(b) Classification. — A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A person who commits the offense of stalking when there is a court order in effect prohibiting similar behavior is guilty of a Class A1 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent conviction for stalking occurring within five years of a prior conviction of the same defendant is punishable as a Class I felony.”

Legislative Update: North Carolina’s stalking law was amended by SB 346, enacted on January 5, 2002. The new legislation expands the conduct which constitutes stalking to include harassment, defined to include written, telephonic, cellular, facsimile, voice mail, computerized, and other electronic communications or transmissions which torment, terrorize, or terrify the person to whom they are directed. The amendment also eliminates the specific intent requirement and lowers the level of fear that the victim must experience as a result of the conduct. In addition, stalking is reclassified as a Class A1 misdemeanor while a person who commits the offense of stalking after having been previously convicted of a stalking offense is guilty of a Class F felony.

HB 1402 Legislators in North Carolina enacted a new law establishing Address Confidentiality Programs that allow stalking victims to file an application with state government agencies to keep their address confidential. Stalking victims may apply for these programs regardless of whether the stalking acts have been reported to law enforcement by providing the state with proof that they are a victim of stalking. NC HB 1402 was signed by Governor Mike Easley on October 31, 2002.

NORTH DAKOTA

12.1-17-07. Harassment. 1999.

1. A person is guilty of an offense if, with intent to frighten or harass another, the person:

a. Communicates in writing or by telephone a threat to inflict injury on any person, to any person’s reputation, or to any property;

b. Makes a telephone call anonymously or in offensively coarse language;

c. Makes repeated telephone calls, whether or not a conversation ensues, with no purpose of legitimate communication; or

d. Communicates a falsehood in writing or by telephone and causes mental anguish.

2. The offense is a class A misdemeanor if it is under subdivision a of subsection 1 or subsection 4. Otherwise it is a class B misdemeanor.

3. Any offense defined herein and committed by use of a telephone may be deemed to have been committed at either the place at which the telephone call or calls were made or at the place where the telephone call or calls were received.

4. A person who telephones a 911 emergency line with the intent to annoy or harass another person or who makes a false 911 report is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

a. Intent to annoy or harass is established by proof of one or more calls with no legitimate 911 purpose.

b. Upon conviction of a violation of this subsection, a person is also liable for all costs incurred by any unnecessary emergency response.

5. Any offense defined herein is deemed communicated in writing if it is transmitted electronically, by electronic mail, facsimile, or other similar means.

12.1-17-07.1. Stalking. 1995.

1. As used in this section:

a. “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct consisting of two or more acts evidencing a continuity of purpose. The term does not include constitutionally protected activity.

b. “Immediate family” means a spouse, parent, child, or sibling. The term also includes any other individual who regularly resides in the household or who within the prior six months regularly resided in the household.

c. “Stalk” means to engage in an intentional course of conduct directed at a specific person which frightens, intimidates, or harasses that person, and that serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct may be directed toward that person or a member of that person’s immediate family and must cause a reasonable person to experience fear, intimidation, or harassment.

2. No person may intentionally stalk another person.

3. In any prosecution under this section, it is not a defense that the actor was not given actual notice that the person did not want the actor to contact or follow the person; nor is it a defense that the actor did not intend to frighten, intimidate, or harass the person. An attempt to contact or follow a person after being given actual notice that the person does not want to be contacted or followed is prima facie evidence that the actor intends to stalk that person.

4. In any prosecution under this section, it is a defense that a private investigator licensed under chapter 43-30 or a peace officer licensed under chapter 12-63 was acting within the scope of employment.

5. If a person claims to have been engaged in a constitutionally protected activity, the court shall determine the validity of the claim as a matter of law and, if found valid, shall exclude evidence of the activity.

6. a. A person who violates this section is guilty of a class C felony if:

(1) The person previously has been convicted of violating section 12.1-17-01, 12.1-17-01.1, 12.1-17-02, 12.1-17-04, 12.1-17-05, or 12.1-17-07 or a similar offense in another state, involving the victim of the stalking;

(2) The stalking violates a court order issued under chapter 14-07.1 protecting the victim of the stalking, if the person had notice of the court order; or

(3) The person previously has been convicted of violating this section.

b. If subdivision a does not apply, a person who violates this section is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

OHIO

2903.21 Aggravated menacing. 1996.

(A) No person shall knowingly cause another to believe that the offender will cause serious physical harm to the person or property of such other person, such other person’s unborn, or a member of the other person’s immediate family.

(B) Whoever violates this section is guilty of aggravated menacing, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

2903.211 Menacing by stalking. 1996.

(A) No person by engaging in a pattern of conduct shall knowingly cause another to believe that the offender will cause physical harm to the other person or cause mental distress to the other person.

(B) Whoever violates this section is guilty of menacing by stalking, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a violation of this section, menacing by stalking is a felony of the fifth degree.

(C) As used in this section:

(1) “Pattern of conduct” means two or more actions or incidents closely related in time, whether or not there has been a prior conviction based on any of those actions or incidents.

(2) “Mental distress” means any mental illness or condition that involves some temporary substantial incapacity or mental illness or condition that would normally require psychiatric treatment.

OKLAHOMA

1173. Stalking–Penalties. 1999.

A. Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person in a manner that:

1. Would cause a reasonable person or a member of the immediate family of that person as defined in subsection F of this section to feel frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested; and

2. Actually causes the person being followed or harassed to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested, upon conviction, shall be guilty of the crime of stalking, which is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one (1) year or by a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($ 1,000.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

B. Any person who violates the provisions of subsection A of this section when:

1. There is a temporary restraining order, a protective order or emergency ex parte order, or an injunction in effect prohibiting the behavior described in subsection A of this section against the same party, when the person violating the provisions of subsection A of this section has actual notice of the issuance of such order or injunction; or

2. Said person is on probation or parole, a condition of which prohibits the behavior described in subsection A of this section against the same party; or

3. Said person, within ten (10) years preceding the violation of subsection A of this section, completed the execution of sentence or conviction of a crime involving the use or threat of violence against the same party, or against a member of the immediate family of such party, upon conviction, shall be guilty of a felony. The fine for a violation of this subsection shall not be more than Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00).

C. Any person who commits a second act of stalking within ten (10) years of the completion of sentence for a prior conviction under subsection A of this section, upon conviction thereof, shall be guilty of a felony. The fine for a violation of this subsection shall not be more than Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($ 2,500.00).

D. Any person who commits an act of stalking within ten (10) years of the completion of execution of sentence for a prior conviction under subsections B and C of this section, shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a felony. The fine for a violation of this subsection shall not be less than Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($ 2,500.00) nor more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00).

E. Evidence that the defendant continued to engage in a course of conduct involving repeated unconsented contact with the victim after having been requested by the victim to discontinue the same or a different form of unconsented contact, and to refrain from any further unconsented contact with the victim, shall give rise to a rebuttable presumption that the continuation of the course of conduct caused the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested.

F. For purposes of this section:

1. “Harasses” means conduct directed toward a person that includes, but is not limited to, repeated or continuing unconsented contact, that would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress, and that actually causes emotional distress to the victim. Harassment does not include constitutionally protected activity or conduct that serves a legitimate purpose;

2. “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of two (2) or more separate acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct”;

3. “Emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or distress that may, but does not necessarily require, medical or other professional treatment or counseling;

4. “Unconsented contact” means any contact with another individual that is initiated or continued without the consent of the individual, or in disregard of that individual’s expressed desire that the contact be avoided or discontinued. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of unconsented contact. Unconsented contact includes but is not limited to any of the following:

a. following or appearing within the sight of that individual,

b. approaching or confronting that individual in a public place or on private property,

c. appearing at the workplace or residence of that individual,

d. entering onto or remaining on property owned, leased, or occupied by that individual,

e. contacting that individual by telephone,

f. sending mail or electronic communications to that individual, and

g. placing an object on, or delivering an object to, property owned, leased, or occupied by that individual; and

5. “Member of the immediate family” means any spouse, parent, child, person related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity or any other person who regularly resides in the household or who regularly resided in the household within the prior six (6) months.

Legislative Update: HB 2400, signed into law on April 17, 2002, establishes Oklahoma’s Victim Protective e Order Task Force for the purpose of studying and preparing recommendations for improvements to the Protection from Domestic Abuse Act, particularly in relation to procedures for issuing protective orders. The Task Force shall issue its report on or before December 1, 2002. The bill also standardizes the form for all ex parte and final protective orders entered with the state effective July 1, 2002.

A separate bill, HB 2921, establishes an Address Confidentiality Program to protect persons attempting to escape from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Under the program such victims may apply to the Secretary of State to have a substitute address designated and may request that state and local agencies used the designated address in place of their actual addresses in order to keep their whereabouts confidential. Agencies that provide counseling and shelter to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking victims are directed to assist such victims in applying for certification in the program. Eligible applicants shall be certified a s program participants for a period of four years from the date of filing; however, a participant who obtains a name change loses certification as a program participant. The new law becomes effective on November 1, 2002.

OREGON

163.730 Definitions for ORS 30.866 and 163.730 to 163.750. As used in ORS 30.866 and 163.730 to 163.750, unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) “Alarm” means to cause apprehension or fear resulting from the perception of danger.

(2) “Coerce” means to restrain, compel or dominate by force or threat.

(3) “Contact” includes but is not limited to:

(a) Coming into the visual or physical presence of the other person;

(b) Following the other person;

(c) Waiting outside the home, property, place of work or school of the other person or of a member of that person’s family or household;

(d) Sending or making written communications in any form to the other person;

(e) Speaking with the other person by any means;

(f) Communicating with the other person through a third person;

(g) Committing a crime against the other person;

(h) Communicating with a third person who has some relationship to the other person with the intent of affecting the third person’s relationship with the other person;

(i) Communicating with business entities with the intent of affecting some right or interest of the other person;

(j) Damaging the other person’s home, property, place of work or school; or

(k) Delivering directly or through a third person any object to the home, property, place of work or school of the other person.

(4) “Household member” means any person residing in the same residence as the victim.

(5) “Immediate family” means father, mother, child, sibling, parent, spouse, grandparent, stepparent and stepchild.

(6) “Law enforcement officer” means any person employed in this state as a police officer by a county sheriff, constable, marshal or municipal or state police agency.

(7) “Repeated” means two or more times.

(8) “School” means a public or private institution of learning or a child care facility.

Note: 163.730 to 163.753 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 163 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

163.732 Stalking.

(1) A person commits the crime of stalking if:

(a) The person knowingly alarms or coerces another person or a member of that person’s immediate family or household by engaging in repeated and unwanted contact with the other person;

(b) It is objectively reasonable for a person in the victim’s situation to have been alarmed or coerced by the contact; and

(c) The repeated and unwanted contact causes the victim reasonable apprehension regarding the personal safety of the victim or a member of the victim’s immediate family or household.

(2)(a) Stalking is a Class A misdemeanor.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, stalking is a Class C felony if the person has a prior conviction for:

(A) Stalking; or

(B) Violating a court’s stalking protective order.

(C) When stalking is a Class C felony pursuant to paragraph (b) of this subsection, stalking shall be classified as a person felony and as crime category 8 of the sentencing guidelines grid of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission.

Note: See note under 163.730.

SECTION 6. ORS 163.738 – 1997 is amended to read:

163.738. (1)(a) A citation shall notify the respondent of a circuit court hearing where the respondent shall appear at the place and time set forth in the citation. The citation shall contain:

(A) The name of the court at which the respondent is to appear;

(B) The name of the respondent;

(C) A copy of the stalking complaint;

(D) The date, time and place at which the citation was issued;

(E) The name of the law enforcement officer who issued the citation;

(F) The time, date and place at which the respondent is to appear in court; and

(G) Notice to the respondent that failure to appear at the time, date and place set forth in the citation shall result in the respondent’s arrest and entry of a court’s stalking protective order.

(b) The officer shall notify the petitioner in writing of the place and time set for the hearing.

(2)(a) The hearing shall be held as indicated in the citation. At the hearing, the petitioner may appear in person or by telephonic appearance. The respondent shall be given the Enrolled Senate Bill 301 (SB 301-A) Page 34opportunity to show cause why a court’s stalking protective order should not be entered. The hearing may be continued for up to 30 days. The court may enter:

(A) A temporary stalking protective order pending further proceedings; or

(B) A court’s stalking protective order if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that:

(i) The person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly engages in repeated and unwanted contact with the other person or a member of that person’s immediate family or household thereby alarming or coercing the other person;

(ii) It is objectively reasonable for a person in the victim’s situation to have been alarmed or coerced by the contact; and (iii) The repeated and unwanted contact causes the victim reasonable apprehension regarding the personal safety of the victim or a member of the victim’s immediate family or household.

(b) In the order, the court shall specify the conduct from which the respondent is to refrain, which may include all contact listed in ORS 163.730 { + and any attempt to make contact listed in ORS 163.730 + }. The order is of unlimited duration unless limited by law.

(3) If the respondent fails to appear at the time, date and place specified in the citation, the circuit court shall issue a warrant of arrest as provided in ORS 133.110 in order to ensure the appearance of the respondent at court and shall enter a court’s stalking protective order.

(4) The circuit court may also order the respondent to undergo mental health evaluation and, if indicated by the evaluation, treatment. If the respondent is without sufficient resources to obtain the evaluation or treatment, or both, the court shall refer the respondent to the mental health agency designated by the community mental health director for evaluation or treatment, or both.

(5) If the circuit court, the mental health evaluator or any other persons have probable cause to believe that the respondent is dangerous to self or others or is unable to provide for basic personal needs, the court shall initiate commitment procedures as provided in ORS 426.070 or 426.180.

(6) A law enforcement officer shall report the results of any investigation arising from a complaint under ORS 163.744 to the district attorney within three days after presentation of the complaint.

Note: See note under 163.730.

163.741 Service of order; entry of order into Law Enforcement Data System. Whenever a stalking protective order, as authorized by ORS 163.735 or 163.738, is issued and the person to be restrained has actual notice thereof, the person serving the order shall deliver forthwith to the county sheriff a true copy of the order and an affidavit of proof of service on which it is stated that personal service of the order was made on the respondent. If an order entered by the court recites that the respondent appeared in person before the court, the necessity for further service of the order is waived and accompanying proof of service is not necessary. Upon receipt of proof of service, when required, and a true copy of the order, the county sheriff shall forthwith enter the order into the Law Enforcement Data System maintained by the Oregon Department of Administrative Services. Entry into the Law Enforcement Data System constitutes notice to all law enforcement agencies of the existence of such order. Law enforcement agencies shall establish procedures adequate to insure that an officer at the scene of an alleged violation of such order may be informed of the existence and terms of such order. Such order shall be fully enforceable in any county in the state. The complainant may elect to deliver documents personally to a county sheriff or to have them delivered by a private person for entry into the Law Enforcement Data System.

Note: See note under 163.730.

163.744 Initiation of action to obtain a citation; complaint form. (1) A person may initiate an action seeking a citation under ORS 163.735 by presenting a complaint to a law enforcement officer or to any law enforcement agency. The complaint shall be a statement setting forth with particularity the conduct that is the basis for the complaint. The petitioner must affirm the truth of the facts in the complaint.

(2) The Department of State Police shall develop and distribute the form of the complaint. The form shall include the standards for reviewing the complaint and for action. The form shall be uniform throughout the state and shall include substantially the following material:

STALKING COMPLAINT

Name of petitioner (person presenting complaint):

Name of person being stalked if other than the petitioner:

Name of respondent (alleged stalker):

Description of respondent:

Length of period of conduct:

Description of relationship (if any) between petitioner or person being stalked, if other than the petitioner, and respondent:

Description of contact:

Subscribed to and affirmed by:

(signature of petitioner)

(printed name of petitioner)

Dated:

(3) A parent may present a complaint to protect a minor child. A guardian may present a complaint to protect a dependent person.

(4) By signing the complaint, a person is making a sworn statement for purposes of ORS 162.055 to 162.425.

Note: See note under 163.730.

163.750 Violating court’s stalking protective order. (1) A person commits the crime of violating a court’s stalking protective order when:

(a) The person has been served with a court’s stalking protective order as provided in ORS 30.866 or 163.738 or if further service was waived under ORS 163.741 because the person appeared before the court;

(b) The person, subsequent to the service of the order, has engaged intentionally, knowingly or recklessly in conduct prohibited by the order; and

(c) If the conduct is prohibited contact as defined in ORS 163.730

(3)(d), (e), (f), (h) or (i), the subsequent conduct has created reasonable apprehension regarding the personal safety of a person protected by the order.

(2)(a) Violating a court’s stalking protective order is a Class A misdemeanor.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, violating a court’s stalking protective order is a Class C felony if the person has a prior conviction for:

(A) Stalking; or

(B) Violating a court’s stalking protective order.

(C) When violating a court’s stalking protective order is a Class C felony pursuant to paragraph (b) of this subsection, violating acourt’s stalking protective order shall be classified as a person felony and as crime category 8 of the sentencing guidelines grid of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission.

Note: See note under 163.730.

163.753 Immunity of officer acting in good faith. A law enforcement officer acting in good faith shall not be liable in any civil action for issuing or not issuing a citation under ORS 163.735.

Note: See note under 163.730.

163.755 Conduct protected by labor laws. Nothing in ORS 30.866 or

163.730 to 163.750 shall be construed to permit the issuance of a court’s stalking protective order under ORS 30.866 or 163.738, a citation under ORS 163.735, a criminal prosecution under ORS 163.732 or a civil action under ORS 30.866 for conduct that is authorized or protected by the labor laws of this state or of the United States.

Note: 163.755 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 163 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

PENNSYLVANIA

18 Pa.C.S. @ 2709 Harassment and stalking. 1997.

(A) HARASSMENT.– A person commits the crime of harassment when, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person:

(1) he strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects him to physical contact, or attempts or threatens to do the same; or

(2) he follows a person in or about a public place or places; or

(3) he engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which alarm or seriously annoy such other person and which serve no legitimate purpose.

(B) STALKING.– A person commits the crime of stalking when he engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts toward another person, including following the person without proper authority, under circumstances which demonstrate either of the following:

(1) an intent to place the person in reasonable fear of bodily injury; or

(2) an intent to cause substantial emotional distress to the person.

(C) GRADING.–

(1) An offense under subsection (a) shall constitute a summary offense.

(2) (i) An offense under subsection (b) shall constitute a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(ii) A second or subsequent offense under subsection (b) or a first offense under subsection (b) if the person has been previously convicted of any crime of violence involving this same victim, family or household members, including, but not limited to, a violation of section 2701 (relating to simple assault), 2702 (relating to aggravated assault), 2705 (relating to recklessly endangering another person), 2901 (relating to kidnapping), 3121 (relating to rape), 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse) or 3128 (relating to spousal sexual assault), an order issued under section 4954 (relating to protective orders) or an order issued under 23 Pa.C.S. @ 6108 (relating to relief), shall constitute a felony of the third degree.

(D) FALSE REPORTS.– A person who knowingly gives false information to any law enforcement officer with the intent to implicate another under this section commits an offense under section 4906 (relating to false reports to law enforcement authorities).

(E) APPLICATION OF SECTION.– This section shall not apply to conduct by a party to a labor dispute as defined in the act of June 2, 1937 (P.L. 1198, No. 308), known as the Labor Anti-Injunction Act, or to any constitutionally protected activity.

(E.1) COURSE OF CONDUCT.– Acts indicating a course of conduct which occur in more than one jurisdiction may be used by any other jurisdiction in which an act occurred as evidence of a continuing pattern of conduct or a course of conduct.

(F) DEFINITIONS.– As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:

“COURSE OF CONDUCT.” A pattern of actions composed of more than one act over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of conduct.

“EMOTIONAL DISTRESS.” A temporary or permanent state of great physical or mental strain.

“FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD MEMBER.” Spouses or persons who have been spouses, persons living as spouses or who lived as spouses, parents and children, other persons related by consanguinity or affinity, current or former sexual or intimate partners or persons who share biological parenthood.

RHODE ISLAND

11-59-1. Definitions. 1994.

For the purpose of this chapter:

(1) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.”

(2) “Harasses” means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, or harasses the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, or be in fear of bodily injury.

11-59-2. Stalking prohibited. 1995.

(a) Any person who: (i) harasses another person; or (ii) willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows another person with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of bodily injury, is guilty of the crime of stalking, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.

(b) A second or subsequent conviction under subdivision (a) shall be deemed a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both.

11-59-3. Violation of restraining order. 1992.

Whenever there is a restraining order or injunction issued by a court of competent jurisdiction enjoining one person from harassing another person, and the person so enjoined is convicted of the crime of stalking as set forth in @ 11-59-2 for actions against the person protected by the court order or injunction, he or she shall be guilty of a felony which shall be punishable by imprisonment for not more than two (2) years or by a fine of not more than six thousand dollars ($6,000), or both.

Several new stalking laws were enacted on July 13, 2001.

S 193A creates a civil cause of action for stalking.

H 5348 permits an employer to obtain a restraining order or injunction against a stalker or harasser who is targeting a victim at the worksite.

H 5466A criminalizes cyberstalking and, and in particular, provides for felony penalties for second or subsequent cyberstalking convictions or for cyberstalking in violation of a restraining order.

Legislative Update: Rhode Island’s legislature amended its stalking law to make the crime of stalking a felony offense, punishable by imprisonment for up to five years, a $10,000 fine, or both. The new law, SB 2935, took effect upon passage on June 25, 2002.

SOUTH CAROLINA

For the purpose of this chapter:

(1) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.”

(2) “Harasses” means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, or harasses the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, or be in fear of bodily injury.

11-59-2. Stalking prohibited. 1995.

(a) Any person who: (i) harasses another person; or (ii) willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows another person with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of bodily injury, is guilty of the crime of stalking, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.

(b) A second or subsequent conviction under subdivision (a) shall be deemed a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both.

11-59-3. Violation of restraining order. 1992.

Whenever there is a restraining order or injunction issued by a court of competent jurisdiction enjoining one person from harassing another person, and the person so enjoined is convicted of the crime of stalking as set forth in @ 11-59-2 for actions against the person protected by the court order or injunction, he or she shall be guilty of a felony which shall be punishable by imprisonment for not more than two (2) years or by a fine of not more than six thousand dollars ($6,000), or both.

Legislative Update: SB 134, enacted on March 5, 2002, prohibits the court from charging the petitioner a fee for filing a complaint and motion for a harassment or stalking restraining order.

SOUTH DAKOTA

22-19A-1. Stalking as a misdemeanor. 1997.

Any person:

(1) Who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person; or

(2) Who makes a credible threat to another person with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or great bodily injury; is guilty of the crime of stalking. Stalking is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

‘ 22-19A-2. Violation of restraining order, injunction or protection order as felony. 1994.

Any person who violates ‘ 22-19A-1 when there is a temporary restraining order, or an injunction, or a protection order, in effect prohibiting the behavior described in ‘ 22-19A-1 against the same party, is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

‘ 22-19A-3. Subsequent convictions as felony. 1993.

A second or subsequent conviction occurring within seven years of a prior conviction under ‘ 22-19A-1, 22-19A-2 or 22-19A-7 against the same victim, and involving an act of violence, or a credible threat of violence, is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

‘ 22-19A-4. “Harasses” defined. 1993.

For the purposes of this chapter, “harasses” means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, or harasses the person, and which serves no legitimate purpose.

‘ 22-19A-5. “Course of conduct” defined.

For the purposes of this chapter, “course of conduct@ means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.”

‘ 22-19A-6. “A credible threat” defined.1993.

For the purposes of this chapter, “a credible threat” means a threat made with the intent and the apparent ability to carry out the threat. A credible threat need not be expressed verbally.

‘ 22-19A-7. Stalking a child twelve or younger – Misdemeanor. 1993.

Any person who willfully, maliciously and repeatedly follows or harasses a child twelve years of age or younger or who makes a credible threat to a child twelve years of age or younger with the intent to place that child in reasonable fear of death or great bodily injury or to reasonably fear for the child’s safety is guilty of the crime of stalking. Stalking is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Legislative Update: On February 8, 2002, South Dakota’s governor signed HB 1016 which eliminated filing and service fees relating to stalking and domestic abuse protection orders. In addition, HB 1138 increased the crime of stalking of a child aged twelve or younger from a misdemeanor to a Class 6 felony. A person who violates this provision is now guilty of felony stalking.

TENNESSEE

Section 39-17-315. STALKING. 1992. Amended 1995.

“(a)(1) A person commits the offense of stalking who intentionally and repeatedly follows or harasses another person in such a manner as would cause that person to be in reasonable fear of being assaulted, suffering bodily injury or death.

2) As used in this subsection:

A) `Follows’ means maintaining a visual or physical proximity over a period of time to a specific person in such a manner as would cause a reasonable person to have a fear of an assault, bodily injury or death;

B) `Harasses’ means a course of conduct directed at a specific person which would cause a reasonable person to fear a sexual offense, bodily injury,or death, including, but not limited to, verbal threats, written threats, vandalism, or unconsented-to physical contact; and

(C) `Repeatedly’ means on two (2) or more occasions.

b) (1) Stalking is a Class A misdemeanor.

2) A second or subsequent violation of subsection (a) occurring within seven (7) years of the prior conviction is a Class E felony. A second or subsequent violation of subsection (a) involving the same victim and occurring within seven (7) years of the prior conviction is a Class C felony.

c) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prohibit following another person during the course of a lawful business activity.”

TEXAS

penal Code Sec. 42.072 – 1997. STALKING.

(a) A person commits an offense if the person, on more than one occasion and pursuant to the same scheme or course of conduct that is directed specifically at another person, knowingly engages in conduct, including following the other person, that:

(1) the actor knows or reasonably believes the other person will regard as threatening:

(A) bodily injury or death for the other person;

(B) bodily injury or death for a member of the other person’s family or household; or

(C) that an offense will be committed against the other person’s property;

(2) causes the other person or a member of the other person’s family or household to be placed in fear of bodily injury or death or fear that an offense will be committed against the other person’s property; and

(3) would cause a reasonable person to fear:

(A) bodily injury or death for himself or herself;

(B) bodily injury or death for a member of the person’s family or household; or

(C) that an offense will be committed against the person’s property.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor, except that the offense is a felony of the third degree if the actor has previously been convicted under this section.

(c) In this section, “family,” “household,” and “member of a household” have the meanings assigned by Chapter 71, Family Code.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch 1, & 1, eff. Jan. 28, 1997. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, & 15.02(e), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

SB 139, which went into effect on September 1, 2001, increases the penalties for stalking crimes. Pursuant to the new law, violations for stalking now carry felony penalties. The statute also amends the definition of the crime of harassment to include electronic communications.

UTAH

76-5-106. Harassment.

(1) A person is guilty of harassment if, with intent to frighten or harass another, he communicates a written or recorded threat to commit any violent felony.

(2) Harassment is a class B misdemeanor.

76-5-106.5. Definitions — Crime of stalking.

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Course of conduct” means repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person or repeatedly conveying verbal or written threats or threats implied by conduct or a combination thereof directed at or toward a person.

(b) “Immediate family” means a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or any other person who regularly resides in the household or who regularly resided in the household within the prior six months.

(c) “Repeatedly” means on two or more occasions.

(2) A person is guilty of stalking who:

(a) intentionally or knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person:

(i) to fear bodily injury to himself or a member of his immediate family; or

(ii) to suffer emotional distress to himself or a member of his immediate family;

(b) has knowledge or should have knowledge that the specific person:

(i) will be placed in reasonable fear of bodily injury to himself or a member of his immediate family; or

(ii) will suffer emotional distress or a member of his immediate family will suffer emotional distress; and

(c) whose conduct:

(i) induces fear in the specific person of bodily injury to himself or a member of his immediate family; or

(ii) causes emotional distress in the specific person or a member of his immediate family.

(3) Stalking is a class B misdemeanor.

(4) Stalking is a class A misdemeanor if the offender:

(a) has been previously convicted of an offense of stalking;

(b) has been convicted in another jurisdiction of an offense that is substantially similar to the offense of stalking; or

(c) has been previously convicted of any felony offense in Utah or of any crime in another jurisdiction which if committed in Utah would be a felony, in which the victim of the stalking or a member of the victim’s immediate family was also a victim of the previous felony offense.

(5) Stalking is a felony of the third degree if the offender:

(a) used a dangerous weapon as defined in Section 76-1-601 under circumstances not amounting to a violation of Subsection 76-5-103(1)(a), or used other meansor force likely to produce death or serious bodily injury, in the commission of the crime of stalking;

(b) has been previously convicted two or more times of the offense of stalking;

(c) has been convicted two or more times in another jurisdiction or jurisdictions of offenses that are substantially similar to the offense of stalking;

(d) has been convicted two or more times, in any combination, of offenses under Subsections

(e) has been previously convicted two or more times of felony offenses in Utah or of crimes in another jurisdiction or jurisdictions which, if committed in Utah, would be felonies, in which the victim of the stalking was also a victim of the previous felony offenses.

Amended by Chapter 10, 1997 General Session

VERMONT

Title 13 § 1027 – 1967. DISTURBING PEACE BY USE OF TELEPHONE

(A) A person who, with intent to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass or annoy, telephones another and (i) makes any request, suggestion or proposal which is obscene, lewd, lascivious or indecent; (ii) threatens to inflict injury or physical harm to the person or property of any person; or (iii) disturbs, or attempts to disturb, by repeated anonymous telephone calls, whether or not conversation ensues, the peace, quiet or right of privacy of any person at the place where the telephone call or calls are received shall be fined not more than $250.00 or be imprisoned not more than three months or both.

If the defendant has previously been convicted of a violation of this section or of an offense under the laws of another state or of the United States which would have been an offense under this act if committed in this state, he shall be fined not more than $500.00 or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.

(B) An intent to terrify, threaten, harass or annoy may be inferred by the trier of fact from the use of obscene, lewd, lascivious or indecent language or the making of a threat or statement or repeated anonymous telephone calls as set forth in this section and any trial court may in its discretion include a statement to this effect in its jury charge.

(C) An offense committed by use of a telephone as set forth in this section shall be considered to have been committed at either the place where the telephone call or calls originated or at the place where the telephone call or calls were received.

§ 1061 – 1993. DEFINITIONS

As used in this subchapter,

(1) “Stalk” means to engage in a course of conduct which consists of following or lying in wait or harassing, and

(A) serves no legitimate purpose; and

(B) causes the person to fear for his or her physical safety or causes the person substantial emotional distress.

(2) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of two or more acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.”

(3) “Following” means maintaining over a period of time a visual or physical proximity to anotherperson in such manner as would cause a reasonable person to have a fear of unlawful sexual conduct, unlawful restraint, bodily injury, or death.

(4) “Harassing” means a course of conduct directed at a specific person which would cause a reasonable person to fear unlawful sexual conduct, unlawful restraint, bodily injury, or death, including but not limited to verbal threats, written threats, vandalism, or unconsented to physical contact.

(5) “Lying in wait” means hiding or being concealed for the purpose of attacking or harming another person.

§ 1062 – 1993. STALKING

Any person who intentionally stalks another person shall be imprisoned not more than two years or fined not more than $5,000.00, or both.

§ 1063 – 1993. AGGRAVATED STALKING

(A) A person commits the crime of aggravated stalking if the person intentionally stalks another person; and

(1) such conduct violates a court order that prohibits stalking and is in effect at the time of the offense; or

(2) has been previously convicted of stalking or aggravated stalking; or

(3) has been previously convicted of an offense an element of which involves an act of violence against the same person; or

(4) the person being stalked is under the age of 16 years.

(B) A person who commits the crime of aggravated stalking shall be imprisoned not more than five years or be fined not more than $25,000.00, or both.

(C) Conduct constituting the offense of aggravated stalking shall be considered a violent act for the purposes of determining bail.

VIRGINIA

18.2-60.3 Stalking; penalty. 1998.

A. Any person who on more than one occasion engages in conduct directed at another person with the intent to place, or with the knowledge that the conduct places, that other person in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury to that other person or to that other person’s family or household member shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. A third or subsequent conviction occurring within five years of a conviction for an offense under this section or for a similar offense under the law of any other jurisdiction shall be a Class 6 felony.

C. A person may be convicted under this section irrespective of the jurisdiction or jurisdictions within the Commonwealth wherein the conduct described in subsection A occurred, if the person engaged in that conduct on at least one occasion in the jurisdiction where the person is tried. Evidence of any such conduct which occurred outside the Commonwealth may be admissible, if relevant, in any prosecution under this section provided that the prosecution is based upon conduct occurring within the Commonwealth.

D. Upon finding a person guilty under this section, the court shall, in addition to the sentence imposed, issue an order prohibiting contact between the defendant and the victim or the victim’s family or household member.

E. The Department of Corrections, sheriff or regional jail director shall give notice prior to the release from a state correctional facility or a local or regional jail of any person incarcerated upon conviction of a violation of this section, to any victim of the offense who, in writing, requests notice, or to any person designated in writing by the victim. The notice shall be given at least

fifteen days prior to release of a person sentenced to a term of incarceration of more than thirty days or, if the person was sentenced to a term of incarceration of at least forty-eight hours but no more than thirty days, twenty-four hours prior to release. If the person escapes, notice shall be given as soon as practicable following the escape. The victim shall keep the Department of Corrections, sheriff or regional jail director informed of the current mailing address and telephone number of the person named in the writing submitted to receive notice.

All information relating to any person who receives or may receive notice under this subsection shall remain confidential and shall not be made available to the
person convicted of violating this section.

For purposes of this subsection, “release” includes a release of the offender from a state correctional facility or a local or regional jail (i) upon completion of his term of incarceration or (ii) on probation or parole.

No civil liability shall attach to the Department of Corrections nor to any sheriff or regional jail director or their deputies or employees for a failure to comply with the requirements of this subsection.

F. As used in this section the term “family or household member” shall have the same meaning as provided in ‘16.1-228.

Legislative Update: With the enactment of HB 488/SB 290 on April 8, 2002, Virginia legislators mandated the establishment of a computerized protective order registry within the Department of State Police. The registry will serve as a central repository for information regarding protective orders. Registry information shall be made available to criminal justice agencies upon request. In addition, the state’s stalking law was amended to exempt law enforcement officers who are acting in theperformance of their official duties and registered private investigators who are acting in the course of their legitimate business from the provisions of the statute. HB 456 was signed into law on April 1, 2002

WASHINGTON

RCW 9A.46.110

(1) A person commits the crime of stalking if, without lawful authority and under circumstances not amounting to a felony attempt of another crime:

(a) He or she intentionally and repeatedly harasses or repeatedly follows another person; and

(b) The person being harassed or followed is placed in fear that the stalker intends to injure the person, another person, or property of the person or of another person. The feeling of fear must be one that a reasonable person in the same situation would experience under all the circumstances; and

(c) The stalker either:

(i) Intends to frighten, intimidate, or harass the person; or

(ii) Knows or reasonably should know that the person is afraid, intimidated, or harassed even if the stalker did not intend to place the person in fear or intimidate or harass the person.

(2)(a) It is not a defense to the crime of stalking under subsection (1)(c)(i) of this section that the stalker was not given actual notice that the person did not want the stalker to contact or follow the person; and

(b) It is not a defense to the crime of stalking under subsection (1)(c)(ii) of this section that the stalker did not intend to frighten, intimidate, or harass the person.

(3) It shall be a defense to the crime of stalking that the defendant is a licensed *private detective acting within the capacity of his or her license as provided by chapter 18.165 RCW.

(4) Attempts to contact or follow the person after being given actual notice that the person does not want to be contacted or followed constitutes prima facie evidence that the stalker intends to intimidate or harass the person. “Contact” includes, in addition to any other form of contact or communication, the sending of an electronic communication to the person.

(5) A person who stalks another person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor except that the person is guilty of a class C felony if any of the following applies: (a) The stalker has previously been convicted in this state or any other state of any crime of harassment, as defined in RCW 9A.46.060, of the same victim or members of the victim’s family or household or any person specifically named in a protective order; (b) the stalking violates any protective order protecting the person being stalked; (c) the stalker has previously been convicted of a gross misdemeanor or felony stalking offense under this section for stalking another person; (d) the stalker was armed with a deadly weapon, as defined in RCW 9.94A.125, while stalking the person; (e) the stalker’s victim is or was a law enforcement officer, judge, juror, attorney, victim advocate, legislator, or community correction’s officer, and the stalker stalked the victim to retaliate against the victim for an act the victim performed during the course of official duties or to influence the victim’s performance of official duties; or (f) the stalker’s victim is a current, former, or prospective witness in an adjudicative proceeding, and the stalker stalked the victim to retaliate against the victim as a result of the victim’s testimony or potential testimony.

(6) As used in this section:

(a) “Follows” means deliberately maintaining visual or physical proximity to a specific person over a period of time. A finding that the alleged stalker repeatedly and deliberately appears at the person’s home, school, place of employment, usiness, or any other location to maintain visual or physical proximity to the person is sufficient to find that the alleged stalker follows the person. It is not necessary to establish that the alleged stalker follows the person while in transit from one
location to another.

(b) “Harasses” means unlawful harassment as defined in RCW 10.14.020.

(c) “Protective order” means any temporary or permanent court order prohibiting or limiting violence against, harassment of, contact or communication with, or physical proximity to another person.

(d) “Repeatedly” means on two or more separate occasions.

Legislative Update: Victims of stalking and domestic violence may now be eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits upon showing that their unemployment was necessary to protect themselves or their family members from being stalked or abused. In looking for suitable work for such victims, the individual’s need to address the physical, psychological, legal, and other effects of the stalking or domestic violence must be considered. HB 1248 became law on March 12, 2002.

WEST VIRGINIA

Section 61-2-9a. STALKING; PENALTIES; DEFINITIONS. 1992. AMENDED 1994.

“(a) Any person who knowingly, willfully and repeatedly follows and harasses, or knowingly, willfully, and repeatedly follows and makes a credible threat or knowingly, willfully and repeatedly harasses and makes a credible threat against a person with whom he or she has, or in the past has had or with whom he or she seeks to establish a personal or social relationship, whether or not such intention is reciprocated, or against a member of that person’s immediate family, with the intent to place that person in reasonable apprehension that he or she or a member of his or her immediate family will suffer death, bodily injury, sexual assault, battery or kidnapping, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be incarcerated in the county or regional jail for not more than six months or fined not more than one thousand dollars, or both.”

(b) Commission of the above, in violation of a court order, is a misdemeanor, punishable by jail for 90 days to one year or fined $2,000 to $5,000.

(c) A second conviction within five years is punishable by imprisonment in jail for 90 days to one year or fine of $2,000 to $5,000.

(d) A third or subsequent conviction within five years of a prior conviction is a felony punishable by incarceration in the penitentiary for one to five years or find of $3,000 to $10,000.

(e) Any person under a permanent restraining order who is convicted of a second or subsequent violation of this section shall be sentenced to jail for six months to one year, or fined $2,000 to $5,000, or both.

(f) For the purposes of this section:

(1) “Harasses” means knowing and willful conduct directed at a specific person which is done with the intent to cause mental injury or emotional distress;

(2) “Credible threat” means a threat of bodily injury made with the apparent ability to carry out the threat and with the result that a reasonable person would believe that the threat would be carried out;

3) “Bodily injury” means substantial physical pain, illness or any impairment of physical condition;

4) “Immediate family” means a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or any person who regularly resides in the household or within the prior six months regularly resided in the household.

(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent lawful assembly and petition for the redress of grievances, including, but not limited to: any labor dispute; demonstration at the seat of federal, state, county or municipal government, activities protected by the West Virginia

Constitution or any statute of this state or the United States.

(h) Any person convicted under this section who is given probation or a suspended sentence shall have such probation or suspended sentence conditioned on participation in counseling or medical treatment.

“(i) On conviction,the court may issue an order restraining the defendant from any contact with the victim for a period not to exceed ten years. The length of any restraining order shall be based upon the seriousness of the violation before the court, the probability of future violations, and the safety of the victim or his or her immediate family. The duration of the restraining order may be longer than five years only in such cases when a longer duration is necessary to protect the safety of the victim or his or her immediate family.

(j) It shall be a condition of bond for any person accused of the offense described in this section that the person shall have no contact, direct or indirect, verbal or physical, with the alleged victim.

(k) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a sentencing court from exercising its power to impose home confinement with electronic monitoring as an alternative sentence.”

For Obscene, Anonymous, Harassing, Repeated and Threatening Telephone Calls, a misdemeanor, see West Virginia Code section 61-8-16.

On April 30, 2001, Governor Wise signed SB 192 into law. The new amendments, which went into effect on July 13, 2001, provides that a second or subsequent conviction for stalking within five years of a prior conviction, or stalking in violation of protection order of which the perpetrator received notice, constitutes a felony, which is punishable by incarceration in a state correctional facility for 1-5 years or a fine of $3,000 – $10,000.

Legislative Update: West Virginia’s legislature passed HB 97 on March 7, 2002, enacting the West Virginia Computer Crime and Abuse Act. Under the new law, it is a misdemeanor for any person to, with the intent to harass or abuse another, use a computer to: make contact with a person without disclosing his or her identity; make contact with a person after that person has requested the contact to cease: threaten to commit a crime against any person or property; or cause obscene material to be transmitted to a person who has requested that such material not be sent.

WISCONSIN

S940.32 Stalking.

(1) In this section:

(a) “Course of conduct” means repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person.

(b) “Immediate family” means a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or any other person who regularly resides in the household or who within the prior 6 months regularly resided in the household.

(c) “Labor dispute” includes any controversy concerning terms, tenure or conditions of employment, or concerning the association or representation of persons in negotiating, fixing, maintaining, changing or seeking to arrange terms or conditions of employment, regardless of whether the disputants stand in the proximate relation of employer and employe.

(cg) “Personally identifiable information” has the meaning given in s. 19.62 (5).

(cr) “Record” has the meaning given in s. 19.32 (2).

(d) “Repeatedly” means on 2 or more calendar days.

(2) Whoever meets all of the following criteria is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor:

(a) The actor intentionally engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily injury to himself or herself or a member of his or her immediate family or to fear the death of himself or herself or a member of his or her immediate family.

(b) The actor has knowledge or should have knowledge that the specific person will be placed in reasonable fear of bodily injury to himself or herself or a member of his or her immediate family or will be placed in reasonable fear of the death of himself or herself or a member of his or her immediate family.

(c) The actor’s acts induce fear in the specific person of bodily injury to himself or herself or a member of his or her immediate family or induce fear in the specific person of the death of himself or herself or a member of his or her immediate family.

(2m) Whoever violates sub. (2) is guilty of a Class D felony if he or she intentionally gains access to a record in electronic format that contains personally identifiable information regarding the victim in order to facilitate the violation under sub. (2).

(3) Whoever violates sub. (2) under any of the following circumstances is guilty of a Class E felony:

(a) The act results in bodily harm to the victim.

(b) The actor has a previous conviction under this section or s. 947.013 (1r), (1t), (1v) or (1x) for a violation against the same victim and the present violation occurs within 7 years after the prior conviction.

(3m) Whoever violates sub. (3) under all of the following circumstances is guilty of a Class D felony:

(a) The person has a prior conviction under sub. (2), (2m) or (3) or this subsection or s. 947.013 (1r), (1t), (1v) or (1x).

(b) The person intentionally gains access to a record in order to facilitate the current violation under sub. (3).

(4) (a) This section does not apply to conduct that is or acts that are protected by the person’s right to freedom of speech or to peaceably assemble with others under the state and U.S. constitu-tions, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

1. Giving publicity to and obtaining or communicating information regarding any subject, whether by advertising, speaking or patrolling any public street or any place where any person or persons may lawfully be.

2. Assembling peaceably.

3. Peaceful picketing or patrolling.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not limit the activities that may be considered to serve a legitimate purpose under this section.

(5) This section does not apply to conduct arising out of or in connection with a labor dispute.

(6) The provisions of this statute are severable. If any provision of this statute is invalid or if any application thereof is invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.

WYOMING

6-2-505 – 1992. Terroristic threats; penalty.

(a) A person is guilty of a terroristic threat if he threatens to commit any violent felony with the intent to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly or facility of public transportation, or otherwise to cause serious public inconvenience, or in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such inconvenience.

(b) A terroristic threat is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than three (3) years.

6-2-506 – 1993. Stalking; penalty.

(a) As used in this section:

(i) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over any period of time evidencing a continuity of purpose;

(ii) “Harass” means to engage in a course of conduct, including but not limited to verbal threats, written threats, vandalism or nonconsensual physical contact, directed at a specific person or the family of a specific person, which the defendant knew or should have known would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and which does in fact seriously alarm the person toward whom it is directed.

(b) Unless otherwise provided by law, a person commits the crime of stalking if, with intent to harass another person, the person engages in a course of conduct reasonably likely to harass that person, including but not limited to any combination of the following:

(i) Communicating, anonymously or otherwise, or causing a communication with another person by verbal, electronic, mechanical, telegraphic, telephonic or written means in a manner that harasses;

(ii) Following a person, other than within the residence of the defendant;

(iii) Placing a person under surveillance by remaining present outside his or her school, place of employment, vehicle, other place occupied by the person, or residence other than the residence of the defendant; or

(iv) Otherwise engaging in a course of conduct that harasses another person.

(c) This section does not apply to an otherwise lawful demonstration, assembly or picketing.

(d) Except as provided under subsection (e) of this section, stalking is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, a fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), or both.

(e) A person convicted of stalking under subsection (b) of this section is guilty of felony stalking punishable by imprisonment for not more than ten (10) years, if:

(i) The act or acts leading to the conviction occurred within five (5) years of a prior conviction under this subsection, or under subsection

(b) of this section, or under a substantially similar law of another jurisdiction;

(ii) The defendant caused serious bodily harm to the victim or another person in conjunction with committing the offense of stalking;

(iii) The defendant committed the offense of stalking in violation of any condition of probation, parole or bail; or

(iv) The defendant committed the offense of stalking in violation of a temporary or permanent order of protection issued pursuant to W.S.7-3-508 or 7-3-509, or pursuant to a substantially similar law of another jurisdiction.

Federal Interstate Stalking Law

Federal Interstate Stalking Law

Compiled by the National Center for Victims of Crime

18 U.S.C. § 2261A was originally enacted on September 23, 1996. In November 2000, the federal statute was amended as part of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2000.

To report a violation of this federal law, contact the FBI or U.S. Attorney’s Office in your district.

18 U.S.C. § 2261A(1)

Whoever (1) travels in interstate or foreign commerce or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, or enters or leaves Indian country, with the intent to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate another person, and in the course of, or as a result of, such travel places that person in reasonable fear of the death of, or serious bodily injury to, that person, a member of the immediate family (as defined in section 115) of that person, or the spouse or intimate partner of that person; or (2) with the intent (A) to kill or injure a person in another State or tribal jurisdiction or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States; or (B) to place a person in another State or tribal jurisdiction or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, in reasonable fear of the death of, or serious bodily injury to (i) that person; (ii) a member of the immediate family (as defined in section 115) of that person; or (iii) a spouse or intimate partner of that person, uses the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce to engage in a course of conduct that places that person in reasonable fear of the death of, or serious bodily injury to, any of the persons described in clauses (i) through (iii), shall be punished as provided in §2261(b).

Interpretation

§2261A(1) makes it a federal crime to travel across state, tribal or international lines to stalk someone. The stalker must have the intent to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate the victim, who must be placed in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury. The victim’s family members spouse or intimate partners are also protected.

§2261A(2) makes it a federal crime to stalk someone across state, tribal or international lines, using regular mail, e-mail, or the Internet (i.e., cyberstalking). The stalker must have the intent to kill or injure the victim, or to place the victim, a family member, or a spouse or intimate partner of the victim in fear of death or serious bodily injury.

§2261A(1) and (2) make it a federal crime to stalk someone within the special or maritime jurisdiction of the U.S. This includes federal lands such as national parks and military bases.

If you have any questions about the interpretation of these provisions, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office in your district.

Key Definitions

“Spouse or Intimate Partner” – (See 18 U.S.C. §2266(7)(A)(ii))

A spouse or former spouse of the target of the stalking;

A person who shares a child in common with the target of the stalking;

A person who cohabits or has cohabited as a spouse with the target of the stalking; or

Any other person similarly situated to a spouse who is protected by the domestic and family violence laws of the state or tribal jurisdiction where the injury occurred or the victim resides.

“Course of Conduct” – (See 18 U.S.C. §2266(2))

A pattern of conduct composed of two or more acts, evidencing a continuity of purpose.

“Serious Bodily Injury” – (See 18 U.S.C. §2119(2) and 18 U.S.C. §1365(g)(3) and (4)

Bodily injury (see below) which involves (A) a substantial risk of death; (B) extreme physical pain; (C) protracted and obvious disfigurement; or (D) protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty. This includes any conduct that, if the conduct occurred in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States would violate section 2241 (aggravated sexual abuse) or 2242 (sexual abuse) of this title.

“Bodily Injury” – (See U.S.C. §1365(g)(4))

(A) a cut, abrasion, bruise, or disfigurement;

(B) physical pain;

(C) illness;

(D) impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty; or

(E) any other injury to the body, no matter how temporary.

“Immediate Family” – (See 18 U.S.C. §115(c)(2))

Immediate family includes the individual’s spouse, parents, siblings, children, or any other person living in the individual’s household related by blood or marriage.

Note: This section was not developed by E.S.I.A. The author or sponsoring organization granted E.S.I.A. permission for placement on this site. Points of view in the above document are those of the author(s).

Penalties for Interstate Stalking, Interstate Domestic Violence, Interstate Violation of A Protection Order

Compiled by the National Center for Victims of Crime

18 U.S.C. §2261(b)

Offenders will be fined, imprisoned;

for life or any term of years, if death of the victim results;
for not more than 20 years if permanent disfigurement of life threatening bodily injury to the victim results;
for not more than 10 years, if serious bodily injury to the victim results or if the offender uses a dangerous weapon during the offense;
as provided for the applicable conduct under chapter 109A (18U.S.C. § 2241 et seq.) if the offense would constitute an offense under chapter 109A (without regard to whether the offense was committed in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States or in a Federal prison);
and for not more than 5 years, in any other case, or both fined and imprisoned.

Interpretation

Penalties for violating 18 U.S.C. § 2261, §2261, 2261A or 2262 are either a fine, imprisonment, or both. There are no minimum sentences, but there are maximums based on the extent of the victim’s injuries. The maximum sentences are listed below along with the corresponding injury.

Life imprisonment if victim dies;

20 years if victim is permanently disfigured;

20 years if victims suffers life threatening bodily injury;

10 years if victim suffers serious bodily injury;

Penalties set forth in Chapter 109A (18 U.S.C. § 2241 et seq. – sex offenses) if offender’s conduct meets the elements of any of those offenses (conduct does not have to occur in federal prison or within special/maritime jurisdiction of U.S.); or 5 years for any other situation.

In addition, the maximum sentence is 10 years if the offender uses a dangerous weapon.

Sentencing Enhancements, Upward Departure, and Additional Firearm Charges

Sentencing Enhancements – (See 18 U.S.S.G. §2A6.2. Stalking or Domestic Violence.)

Under (a), base level is 14. Under (b)(1), offense increases 2 to 4 levels if it involves one or more of the following aggravating factors:

bodily injury;

violation of a court protection order;

possession or threatened use of a dangerous weapon; or

pattern of stalking the same victim.

Upward Departure to Address Severity of the Crime – (See Application Note 5 of the Commentary to 18 U.S.S.G. §2A6.2)

An upward departure motion may be granted if sentencing enhancement under (b)(1) does not adequately reflect the extent or severity of the defendant’s conduct. “For example, an upward departure may be warranted if the defendant stalked the victim on many occasions over a prolonged period of time.”

Additional Charges for Use of Firearms – (See 18 U.S.C. §924(c) (1)

If the defendant uses or possess a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence for which he/she is convicted, charges under §924 may be filed and the following penalties may be available:

5 years or more;

7 year or more if firearm is brandished; or

10 years or more if firearm is discharged.

Specific Firearms – If certain types of firearms are possessed or used, the following penalties may be imposed:

10 years or more (25 multiple convictions) for short-barreled rifles or other listed firearms; or

30 years or more (life for multiple convictions) for machine guns or destructive devices, or weapons equipped with silencers or firearms mufflers.

Note: This section was not developed by E.S.I.A. The author or sponsoring organization granted E.S.I.A. permission for placement on this site. Points of view in the above document are those of the author(s).

Interstate Stalking Title 18, ‘2261A

Whoever travels across a State line or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States with the intent to injure or harass another person, and in the course of, or as a result of, such travel places that person in reasonable fear of the death of, or serious bodily injury (as defined in section 1365 (g) (3) of this title) to, that person or a member of that person’s immediate family (as defined in section 115 of this title) shall be punished in section 2261 of this title.

Interstate Domestic Violence Title 18, ‘2261

a. Offenses

Crossing a state line. A person who travels across a State line or enters or leaves Indian country with the intent to injure, harass, or intimidate that person’s spouse or intimate partner, and who, in the course of or as a result of such travel, intentionally commits a crime of violence and thereby causes bodily injury to such spouse or intimate partner, shall be punished as provided in subsection (b).
Causing the crossing of a state line. A person who causes a spouse or intimate partner to cross a State line or to enter or leave Indian country by force, coercion, duress, or fraud and, in the course or as a result of that conduct, intentionally commits a crime of violence and thereby causes bodily injury to the person’s spouse or intimate partner, shall be punished as provided in subsection (b).

b. Penalties. A person who violates this section or section 2261A shall be fined under this title, imprisoned;

for life or any term of years, if death of the victim results;
for not more than 20 years if permanent disfigurement or life threatening bodily injury to the victim results;
for not more than 10 years, if serious bodily injury to the victim results or if the offender uses a dangerous weapon during the offense;
as provided for the applicable conduct under chapter 109A if the offense would constitute an offense under chapter 109A (without regard to whether the offense was committed in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States or in a Federal prison); and
for not more than 5 years, in any other case, or both fined and imprisoned.

Interstate Violation of Protection Order C Title 18, ‘2262

a. Offenses

1. Crossing a State line. A person who travel across a State line or enters or leaves Indian country with the intent to engage in conduct that –

(A) (i) violates the portion of a protection order that involves protection against credible threats of violence, repeated harassment, or bodily injury to the person or persons for whom the protection order was issued; or

(A) (ii) violates this subparagraph if the conduct occurred in the jurisdiction in which the order was issued; and

(B) subsequently engages in such conduct, shall be punished as provided in subsection (b).

2. Causing the crossing of a state line. A person who causes a spouse or intimate partner to cross a State line or to enter or leave Indian country by force, coercion, duress, or fraud, and, in the course or as a result of that conduct, intentionally commits an act that injures the person’s spouse or intimate partner in violation of a valid protection order issued by a State shall be punished as provided in subsection (b).

b. Penalties. A person who violates this section shall be fined under this title, imprisoned –

for life or any term of years, if death of the victim results;
for not more than 20 years if permanent disfigurement or life threatening bodily injury to the victim results;
for not more than 10 years, if serious bodily injury to the victim results or if the offender uses a dangerous weapon during the offense;
as provided for the applicable conduct under chapter 109A if the offense would constitute an offense under chapter 109A (without regard to whether the offense was committed in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States or in a Federal prison); and
for not more than 5 years, in any other case, or both fined and imprisoned.


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