Santa Ana Stalking Attorney
Criminal Defense for Stalking & Harassment Accusations
Have you been wrongfully accused of stalking or any form of harassment? Talk to a Santa Ana criminal attorney at our law firm to see how you can challenge these charges to avoid serious penalties.
California Penal Code defines stalking as a course of conduct that involves following, threatening or continually contacting a person in such a way as to put them in fear for their safety or the safety of their family. Continued phone calls, watching the victim, making actual threats and following the victim may all be actions that would be considered stalking. In situations of this kind, a victim may seek a restraining order against the alleged stalker and may seek to file criminal charges.
Stalking is a crime that may be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the particular situation. However, a second stalking offense and stalking in violation of probation or a restraining order are automatic felony offenses. A defendant may face the following penalties if convicted for stalking in Santa Ana:
- Misdemeanor stalking - informal probation, up to 12 months in county jail, counseling, and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Felony stalking - formal probation, 16 months to 5 years in state prison, counseling, restraining order, potential sex offender registration, and a fine of up to $1,000.
Defense Lawyer for Stalking Charges in Santa Ana, CA
Stalking charges may be filed for the wrong reasons. An alleged victim may make false allegations of stalking for reasons of revenge, jealousy or even in a child custody battle to seek a favorable outcome. Unfounded stalking accusations can have a serious impact on you in regard to your employment, reputation and even your personal life. Make sure you involve an experienced criminal lawyer who can protect your legal rights in the face of an investigation, allegations or criminal charges for stalking, harassment or any related offense in the Santa Ana area.
Contact a Santa Ana Stalking Defense Lawyer at our firm for a free review of your case.