Milford Stalking Lawyer
Being accused of stalking another person can make for a sensitive and complicated criminal case, in no small part because of how subjective the matter of defining what counts as “stalking” can be. No matter how this type of allegation comes about or who is making it, though, it is something you should take very seriously from the first moment you learn about it.
A Milford stalking lawyer from our team can be a vital source of support through the legal process as you build your defense strategy and pursue the most favorable resolution possible for your specific situation. In addition, if your offense is considered to be a form of “family violence,” our defense attorneys can help you protect your best interests in family court as well as criminal court.
Stalking As a Criminal Charge
Connecticut General Statutes (“C.G.S.”) §§ 53a-181c through 53a-181f define three distinct “degrees” of Stalking that someone can be charged with in Milford, as well as a unique offense known as “electronic stalking,” which a qualified defense attorney can explain in more detail. Stalking in the Third Degree is a Class B misdemeanor that involves someone willfully and continuously following or “lying in wait” for someone else in a way that causes the other person to reasonably fear for their physical safety or experience emotional distress.
Stalking in the Second Degree is a bit more complicated, but it generally involves someone engaging in a “course of conduct” intended to cause fear of physical harm or emotional distress, and it is considered a Class A misdemeanor offense for sentencing purposes. Finally, Stalking in the First Degree is a Class D felony, which entails someone committing Stalking in the Second Degree with one of a few aggravating conditions—for example, Stalking in violation of a court order or Stalking after a previous conviction for Stalking in the Second Degree.
Stalking As a Form of “Family Violence”
According to C.G.S. § 46b-38a(1), a criminal charge involving actual or threatened physical harm to another person can be categorized as a “family violence” offense if it specifically targets a “family or household member” of the defendant. Subjection (2) of this statute defines “family or household member” to include both current and former spouses and intimate partners, as well as parents and children, relatives by blood or marriage, co-parents of the same child, and current or former roommates.
While a designation of “family violence” does not increase the severity of criminal sanctions you may face upon conviction for any degree of Stalking; it does open you up to protective orders and potential involvement from the Department of Children and Families. As mentioned above, guidance from a knowledgeable lawyer can be vital to dealing proactively with a Stalking offense in Milford.
Discuss Your Legal Options With a Milford Stalking Attorney
Just like with any other type of criminal allegation, it is often possible to get a positive outcome from your legal proceedings after being accused of Stalking another person. That said, you will have virtually no chance of doing that if you try to fight your case alone or get help from an attorney without extensive experience handling situations like yours.
A seasoned Milford Stalking lawyer from Mark Sherman Law can provide invaluable assistance from beginning to end of the legal process. Call today to learn more, or click here to read our 300+ verified reviews on our Avvo.com profile.