Hackettstown Stalking Lawyers

Criminal and Restraining Order Defense Attorneys in Sussex and Warren County, New Jersey

Stalking

Stalking is a fourth or third degree crime in New Jersey, depending on the underlying factual circumstances, and any criminal charges for stalking in Warren County or Sussex County will be handled at the New Jersey Superior Court, Criminal Division. According to N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10(b) a person is guilty of stalking if he purposefully or knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his safety or the safety of a third person or suffer other emotional distress. However, the stalking statute does not apply to conduct which occurs during organized group picketing.

In any event, a conviction for stalking can result in fines, jail time and a permanent restraining order, all of which are consequences that the experienced stalking defense lawyers at the Tormey Law Firm will work tirelessly to help you avoid. Our skilled attorneys regularly defend clients facing criminal charges and restraining orders in courts in Hackettstown, Phillipsburg, Sparta, Andover, Belvidere, and throughout Sussex and Warren County. Contact our offices at 973-755-1695 to discuss your current situation and learn about how we can help you. Consultations are always provided free of charge.

Stalking Defense Lawyer in Newton NJ

The New Jersey Criminal Code, in N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10(a), sets forth the pertinent definitions regarding whether or not actions constitute stalking. Specifically, “course of conduct” means repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person; directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating to or about, a person, or interfering with a person’s property; repeatedly committing harassment against a person; or repeatedly conveying, or causing to be conveyed, verbal or written threats or threats conveyed by any other means of communication or threats implied by conduct or a combination thereof directed at or toward a person; “repeatedly” means on two or more occasions; “emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or distress; and “cause a reasonable person to fear” means to cause fear which a reasonable victim, similarly situated, would have under the circumstances.

Generally, stalking is a fourth degree crime, which imposes a sentence of up to eighteen months in jail and up to a $10,000 fine. But, a person is guilty of a crime of the third degree if he commits the crime of stalking in violation of an existing court order prohibiting the behavior. Additionally, a person who commits a second or subsequent offense of stalking against the same victim or who commits the crime of stalking while serving a term of imprisonment or while on parole or probation as the result of a conviction for any indictable offense under the laws of this State, any other state or the United States is guilty of a crime of the third degree. Third degree crimes such as stalking are punishable by three to five years in prison and up to a $15,000 fine Moreover, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10.1 a conviction for stalking shall operate as an application for a permanent restraining order limiting the contact of the defendant and the victim who was stalked.

Sparta Stalking Defense Attorneys Fight for You

Regardless of the level of stalking offense you may be facing in Warren County or Sussex County, the criminal defense team at the Tormey Law Firm is ready to fight to defend your case. With decades of combined experience, we successfully represent clients facing harassment charges and restraining orders on a regular basis and we are prepared to advocate for you. Simply call 973-755-1695 today for additional information and a cost-free consultation.