Foxwoods Casino Stalking Lawyer
Accusations of following someone persistently with the intent to intimidate them can be difficult to dispute in Connecticut. This is especially true if you attempt to contest such charges without the guidance of an experienced defense attorney.
Contact a Foxwoods Casino stalking lawyer today if you face charges for a stalking incident that occurred on those premises. To discuss your unique case with a knowledgeable domestic violence attorney, reach out to Mark Sherman Law today.
What Might Constitute Stalking at Foxwoods Casino?
The Connecticut Penal Code—which Mashantucket Pequod tribal police will enforce if someone violates any section while at Foxwoods Casino—defines three “degrees” of stalking offenses. Of these, the least severe is Stalking in the Third Degree. According to Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-181e, a person commits this particular stalking offense if, by “willfully and repeatedly” following someone or waiting for them to arrive in a particular place, they recklessly cause the other person to reasonably suffer emotional distress and/or to fear for their physical safety. C.G.S. §53a-181f specifically addresses “electronic stalking” as a similar but distinct offense that entails someone causing distress by constantly tracking another person’s movement using a GPS or similar electronic device.
Under C.G.S. §53a-181d, there are two scenarios in which somebody may be charged with Stalking in the Second Degree. The first is when a person engages in a “course of conduct” directed towards an individual that would cause any reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of a third person. The second scenario is when a person intentionally threatens a person’s career by calling, appearing at, or initiating contact with the targeted person’s business or workplace after being told to stop. A “course of conduct” is defined as two or more acts involving the perpetrator acting in a threatening manner. Examples of this conduct include following, monitoring, harassing, sending unwanted gifts, engaging in unwanted communication, or interfering with the personal property of the targeted person directly, indirectly, or through a third party.
Finally, under C.G.S. §53a-181c, someone could face charges for Stalking in the First Degree if they have committed Second-Degree Stalking against someone under 16 years old, if they are in violation of an active court order, or if they have previously been convicted of a Second-Degree Stalking offense. A Foxwoods Casino stalking attorney could help contest charges pursued under any of these statutes.
What Are the Possible Penalties for Different Degrees of Stalking?
Third-degree stalking and electronic stalking are both Class B misdemeanors punishable upon conviction by a maximum $1,000 fine and a maximum six-month jail term. Stalking in the Second Degree is a Class A misdemeanor that could allow for maximum sanctions upon conviction of $2,000 in fines and a one-year term in jail.
Finally, Stalking in the First Degree is a Class D felony, which means a conviction could result in a five-year maximum prison sentence plus a $5,000 maximum fine. Any stalking offenses targeting a current or former household or family member may be categorized as domestic violence offenses, which—as a seasoned attorney serving Foxwoods Casino can explain—could allow for additional family court sanctions even if the criminal charges do not lead to a conviction.
Consider Working with a Foxwoods Casino Stalking Attorney
Both tribal and state police take accusations of stalking at Foxwoods Casino extremely seriously. Even a first-time offender can face severe criminal and personal consequences for a conviction of this nature.
You do not have to face these charges alone. If you need help fighting back against allegations of stalking, contact a Foxwoods Casino stalking lawyer today. Click here to read our over 300 certified client reviews on Avvo.com, and call the top attorneys at Mark Sherman Law are ready to start building your defense.