Stalking in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Stalking Crimes

The crime of Stalking in Rhode Island, like all crimes, can have dire consequences for those charged or convicted. Stalking is a crime that you can be charged with even if it was not your intention to stalk someone. It can be committed a number of different ways - some of which may not seem serious, but still promise the potential of an arrest.

What is Stalking?

Stalking is essentially any behavior that becomes oppressive or frightening toward and against the will of the victim. The law takes stalking seriously because such obsessive behaviors are often associated with violence and even homicide.

With friends, family, and acquaintances, simple acts such as following, waiting, calling, emailing, leaving written notes, text messages, leaving objects, and video taping could be considered normal social behavior. However, these behaviors become crimes when the individual to whom they are directed has made it clear that such acts are unwanted.

If you need assistance with a criminal stalking charge in Rhode Island, contact Criminal Defense Attorney John E. MacDonald at (401) 421-1440 for a free consultation and more information.

RI Stalking Penalties

Rhode Island Stalking Penalties

A first-offense <strong>stalking</strong> conviction is a misdemeanor that may lead to fines up to $500 in addition to imprisonment of no more than one year. A second offense stalking conviction is a felony which may include up to ten years imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines.

Long-Term Effects

The long-term effects of a stalking conviction go beyond criminal punishment and may remain on your record for the rest of your life if you are not eligible for an expungement. Criminal offenses on your record make it difficult for employers to hire you and nearly impossible for you to gain entry into the fields of education, medicine, or law.

Defending a Stalking Charge

Defending a stalking charge in court can be challenging due to the fact that very little evidence is necessary to obtain a conviction. Evidence may consist of little more than eye-witness testimony; which may be enough to convince a jury even without physical evidence.

If you have recently been arrested and charged with criminal stalking in Rhode Island, contact Criminal Defense Attorney John E. MacDonald at (401) 421-1440 for a free consultation and more information.

To learn more about John MacDonald, please visit his website at AggressiveLegalServices.com.

Stalking in Rhode Island

Stalking in Rhode Island

If you have recently been charged with criminal stalking in the state of Rhode Island, its important to know that it can be difficult to defend against such charges in a court of law. The reason stalking cases can be challenging is because evidence typically consists of little more than witness testimony, and lacks any physical evidence to corroborate a story. Despite a lack of hard evidence, the act of stalking conjures strong feelings in most individuals, and a simple accusation can be enough to land a conviction.

What is Stalking?

The state of Rhode Island defines stalking as unwanted harassing, contacting, or meddling with another individual against their will. Stalking often consists of obsessive behaviors such as unwanted: 

• Following 
• Waiting 
• Calling 
• Emailing 
• Leaving written notes 
• Text Messaging 
• Leaving objects 
• Video Voyeurism

While most of these behaviors are common in any social environment, it is important to realize that they may be misunderstood or frightening to another individual, and in certain cases what may begin as innocent intentions, end with criminal charges. The penalties for a stalking conviction can be very serious, and it is important that you contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately.

If someone is stalking you.

If you or anyone you know are concerned that someone may be stalking you, it is imperative that you dial 911 and contact the authorities immediately. It is also important that you do not tamper with or destroy any evidence by cleaning, discarding, deleting or modifying it in any way until instructed to do so by the authorities.

Stalking convictions in Rhode Island

First offenders convicted of stalking in Rhode Island will be charged with a misdemeanor, pay fines not exceeding $500 and possible imprisonment not exceeding one year. Second offenders will be charged with a felony, including up to two years imprisonment and up to $6,000 in fines.

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If you have questions about this posting or are interested in Criminal Defense, Divorce, or Immigration Law in RI contact Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer John E. MacDonald at 401-421-1440.

To learn more about The Law Office of John MacDonald, please visit his website at AggressiveLegalServices.com.