Stalking Charges
Riverside Stalking Defense Lawyers: (951) 682-5110
People charged with stalking are typically not career criminals. Often
they are normal people who are going through a difficult period in their
lives. After a divorce, the break up of a relationship, a job loss, or
other traumatic event, they may make choices they otherwise would not.
In many cases, our clients are falsely accused of stalking by alleged
victims who are looking to gain an upper hand in a divorce or custody battle.
California's stalking law began in 1990 in response to a number of
celebrity stalking cases. Today the stalking law is more frequently used
by average people who allege they are being stalked.
Stalking Defined in the California Penal Code
Stalking is defined as willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly following
and harassing another person. A stalker puts the other person in fear
for his or her safety or the safety of family members. If you have been
accused of stalking or harassment, please contact a Riverside criminal
defense attorney at Blumenthal Law Offices today to discuss the circumstances
of your case.
We have successfully defended clients accused of all types of stalking,
including:
- Cyber stalking
- Workplace stalking
- Celebrity stalking
- Stalking by mail, telephone, or e-mail
We often represent clients who are accused by an ex-spouse or ex-domestic
partner of stalking. We also represent clients who do not know the alleged victim.
Stalking is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than
one year, or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000),
or by both that fine and imprisonment, or by imprisonment in the state
prison. If the stalking occurred in violation of a restraining order,
or if you have previously been convicted of stalking, the penalties are
more severe.
Nearly any type of action can be interpreted as stalking, from e-mailing
to sending gifts repeatedly. Our legal team will listen to your explanation
of events and immediately set to work to protect your rights and your
freedom. We know that there are often legitimate reasons for a person
to drive by or contact another person. You can count on us for an aggressive
defense of your rights.