Numerous people are falsely accused of stalking simply because their actions and behavior are misunderstood. The worse thing is that some of these innocent men get convicted and punished without getting the justice they deserve. Know more about the definition of stalking in Nevada and its penalties to avoid being unjustly convicted of this crime.
Explaining ‘Stalking’ in Nevada
A person can be accused of stalking if he willfully or maliciously performed a series of actions that may cause a rational person or the victim himself to feel horrified, harassed, frightened, threatened or fearful for the immediate safety of a family or household member. Therefore, a person may be accused of stalking even if he did not mean any harm or did not intend to cause fear to the other party. This type of crime is hard to overcome unless you hire a competent, experienced and credible criminal defense lawyer in Las Vegas.
Punishment or Sanctions
The penalties for this crime depends on the intensity of stalking, the person’s criminal history and the participation of the internet.
- Standard punishment – is for ‘normal’ cases of stalking which do not involve the internet and that did not cause the victim to be frightened for any substantial bodily harm or death. The first offense for this type of stalking is considered a ‘misdemeanor’ or minor. People who are convicted for this case are usually jailed for about 6 months and/or are required to pay up to $1,000. The second offense for this type of stalking is considered a ‘gross misdemeanor’. The sanctions for such include up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000.
- Frightened of substantial bodily harm or death – is for the type of stalking which threatens the victim of his death and of substantial bodily harm as defined in the Nevada law. This case is deemed as ‘aggravated stalking’. It falls under the category B of Felony. The penalties for this case include 2-15 years of imprisonment and/or a fine of $5,000.
- Involvement of the internet – is for the kind of stalking that uses emails, social media, internet, text messaging and the like. These tools heighten the risk of harm to the person because the offender can contact or reach the ‘victim’ directly. It also falls under the category C of Felony. The charges for this case include 1-5 years of imprisonment and/or a fine of $10,000.
- Protective Orders – the judge may also command the accused for a TPO (Temporary Protective Order) or an extended order that commands him to stay away from the victim for a specific period of time as well as to follow strict conditions. If a person intentionally violates the TPO, a case under gross misdemeanor, he will be punished for up to 364 days of imprisonment and a fine up to $2,000. On the other hand, violating the extended order is a case under the category C of Felony. The charges for this violation include 1-5 years of imprisonment and/or a fine of $10,000.
Being accused of stalking is difficult to defend. Therefore, you have to hire a lawyer who has proven his proficiency in defending criminal cases. Enlist one that can help you turn the result of the case positively – either the case will be dismissed or your sentence or fine will be reduced.