Harassment and stalking are related crimes in New Jersey, with a stalking charge being sort of like a harassment charge on steroids.
When you’re charged with harassment in New Jersey, it is usually as a petty disorderly persons offense, and the prosecution argues that you engaged in certain behaviors designed to cause alarm or annoyance to another person.
Often this can be one act, but repeated annoying or alarming contact will also constitute harassment.
If you’ve been charged with stalking, you’re facing a fourth degree crime that carries a penalty of 18 months and huge fines.
The prosecution will try to prove that you knowingly engaged in a course of conduct (meaning more than one incident) that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of another.
This is a much more serious charge than harassment, and conviction will leave you with a criminal record.
Charges of harassment and stalking can cause serious disruption to your life and even land you in prison.
It’s important to consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer when facing any prosecution in New Jersey.
Call attorney Matthew Reisig at 732-625-9661 today to speak to an experienced harassment and stalking attorney for free.