Have you been convicted of stalking? Texas does not take this crime lightly. The Bureau of Justice Statistics states that more than 3.4 million people get stalked every year. If you have been an offender or been mistaken as one, you need a strong defense for court. Get in touch with A-EZ Out Bail Bonds, and we will bail you out of jail as quickly as possible.
Once you are out on bail, you can build your defense team and find the best available lawyer for your case. The last thing you want is to be stuck behind bars and have a weak defense for your trial. Texas has cracked down further on stalking convictions and penalties. Here are some of the penalties, as well as what steps you can take.
What Is Stalking?
Stalking is a pattern of behavior towards a person that makes them feel unsafe. Some examples are following or pursuing a person, repeatedly contacting someone by mail, email, internet, or phone, as well as sending unwanted gifts and messages. If the victim is fearful or feels like their safety is threatened, you can be accused of stalking. In Texas, stalking is when the offender knows that they are engaging in behavior that someone else would find threatening.
Calling, Texting, or Emailing
If you reach out once, and the person ignores you, that is okay and you should stop there. However, if you continue to text, call, or email them and it’s unreciprocated, you can be charged with stalking. You don’t need to physically follow them around in order for the law to step in.
Loitering
If you hang around an area because you know the person of interest will be there or hangs out there, you can also be convicted. You don’t need to communicate with them in order to be in the wrong.
Threats
If you have told a victim that they will get hurt if they don’t comply with your approaches, you are harassing them and this constitutes stalking.
Cyberstalking
With the rise of technology, you also have more ways of communicating and harassing a person via online. Monitoring a person’s internet activities, damaging their reputation, cyberbullying, or urging someone to meet you are all forms of cyberstalking.
What Are the Penalties for Stalking?
Stalking is treated as a third-degree felony, which means it can be punished with a prison sentence of up to 10 years. You may also face a fine of up to $10,000. If you are convicted of another charge of stalking, it becomes a second-degree felony, and you can serve up to a 20-year sentence. The fine can go up to $10,000 as well.
A-EZ Out Bail Bonds
If you have been arrested for stalking, get in touch with one of our expert bondsmen at A-EZ Out Bail Bonds. We will get working on your case immediately, and grant you a speedy release. Everyone makes mistakes and you deserve a second chance. We will grant you bail, so you can build the best defense for trial.