Not everything is black and white. In reality, many situations fall into gray areas.
One of those situations can be a stalking accusation. Actions you thought were justified, the other person considered them extreme and excessive, and has accused you of stalking. What does Maryland consider stalking? How should you handle accusations?
The seriousness of a stalking conviction
To stalk someone means that you engaged in a willful, malicious and repeated course of conduct that caused another person to fear for their safety or the safety of someone they know. Charges of stalking don’t require physical harm or direct threats to occur—instead, behaviors such as repeated following or ongoing, unwanted communication.
A stalking conviction can result in severe penalties, including:
- Up to 5 years in jail
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Possible restraining orders
- A criminal record that can impact employment, housing and personal relationships
When you consider the consequences of a stalking conviction, it’s easy to understand why accusations need to be addressed promptly. You need to understand the charges against you, along with any evidence presented. What kind of stalking behavior did you allegedly partake in, such as texts, emails or other forms of cyber-stalking? Or was it more physical behaviors, such as following the person?
Whatever you do, do not contact the accuser. While you may believe the accusation is just a misunderstanding, any attempts at communication, even if you are trying to clear up your side of the story, are likely to fail. You also want to be mindful of your online activity. Some of your posts could be seen as harassment or intimidation.
You should reach out to an experienced legal professional. They can assess your case and develop a strong defense tailored to your situation.
Reporting a crime? Understand reporting prosecution repercussions.