There are various types of Violent Crimes that you can be charged with in PA. One such crimes is the violent crime of Stalking. Read about Violent Crimes Attorneys here. The Violent Crime of Stalking is a fairly serious charge that can result in jail time for the accused. If you are being investigated by the police for committing the violent crime of Stalking, then make sure to speak with an experienced Stalking Attorney immediately. In order to be found guilty of the crime of Stalking, the government has to prove the following criminal elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
1) That the accused engaged in a course of conduct or repeatedly committed acts against the alleged victim. Such acts can range from following the person without any authority or her consent, under circumstances which show that the accused has an intent to place the alleged victim in reasonable fear of bodily injury or to cause substantial emotional distress to such other person; or
2) That the accused repeatedly communicates to another person under circumstances which show that the accused has the intent to place the alleged victim in reasonable fear of bodily injury or to cause substantial emotional distress to such other person.
Generally the crime of stalking is graded as a Misdemeanor of the first degree and therefore punishable by a maximum of 5 years in state prison and a ten thousand dollar fine. However, Stalking may be graded as a Felony of the Third degree and punishable by a maximum of seven years in state prison and up to a $15,000 fine if one of the following circumstances are present:
1) If it is a second or subsequent conviction for the crime of Stalking; Or
2) If the accused has previously been convicted of any crime of violence against the same victim or any other member of the victim’s household; (an example of a crime of violence can be crimes such as Simple Assault, Rape, Sexual Assault, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Read about Recklessly Endangering here Aggravated Assault etc.)or
3) The victim previously had obtained or was granted a protection from abuse order against the Defendant
