Darien Second-Degree Harassment Lawyer
If you are facing a harassment charge, a top criminal defense attorney can advocate for your rights, working to get the charges reduced or dropped altogether. A Darien second-degree harassment lawyer can evaluate your situation and identify the strengths of your case.
Understanding Harassment in the Second Degree
Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) § 53a-183 governs the charge of second-degree harassment. This offense primarily involves the use of the telephone or other forms of communication to annoy or alarm another individual.
How Can I Be Charged with Second-Degree Harassment?
The first way to violate C.G.S. § 53a-183 involves foul language. It is unlawful under state law to address another person with obscene or indecent language using the telephone. The second type of offense under the statute any form of written communication likely to cause annoyance or alarm. This includes contact through:
- Telegraph
- Facsimile
- Electronic communication
- Any other form of written communication
The final type of second-degree harassment also involves the use of the telephone with the intent to harass, alarm, or annoy another person. It is possible to violate the statute whether or not a conversation actually occurs, for example by calling and hanging up.
What If I Didn’t Intend to Cause Alarm?
One common denominator for all three forms of second-degree harassment is criminal intent. If you lacked the intent to annoy or alarm, the statute will not apply. One of the strongest defenses available to an attorney defending a Darien second-degree harassment case is that you lacked any criminal intent.
What Are the Consequences of a Second-Degree Harassment Conviction?
State law treats the charge of second-degree harassment as a Class C misdemeanor. If you are convicted of this charge, you can face as much as three months in jail. A conviction also carries a maximum fine of $500. While less serious than many other criminal convictions, these consequences can be steep for many people and a criminal record, even for a misdemeanor, is something to be avoided at all costs.
Call a Darien Second-Degree Harassment Attorney
A Darien second-degree harassment lawyer can help you craft a defense that fits with the facts of your case. Schedule a consultation with Mark Sherman Law to discuss your options today.