Harassing a person can result in you getting in trouble with the police and even facing criminal charges. Some forms of harassment assume a higher level of severity, and you may run the risk of harsher penalties if you follow someone or make them feel too uncomfortable.
Aggravated harassment charges can leave you facing serious punishment in the form of prison sentences and fines. Under these circumstances, having the support of an Attorney could make all the difference. A Boynton Beach aggravated harassment Lawyer from Leifert & Leifert can help you understand the charges against you and prepare a defense.
What Counts as Harassment and Aggravated Harassment?
Harassment refers to certain actions that can be taken in relation to another person. Florida Statutes § 784.048 defines harassment as a repeated course of conduct with no legitimate purpose directed toward a specific individual that causes severe emotional distress to that individual. Harassment cannot have any other (legitimate) purpose beyond causing such distress, so incidental actions that have other purposes should not count.
Under this statute, harassing a person or following them can also be referred to as stalking. Though only a first-degree misdemeanor, harassment is punishable by a jail sentence for up to a year and a fine of up to $1,000, and a conviction of any kind should be taken seriously.
Harassment can become aggravated if the activity includes any one of the following: a credible threat to the person being harassed, violation of a Court injunction, or stalking of a person under the age of 16. A credible threat refers to a communication, verbal, written or electronic, that makes a person feel a reasonable fear for their safety, along with the ability to carry out that threat.
Aggravated harassment is charged as a third-degree Felony rather than a misdemeanor. A conviction can lead to a sentence of up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000 under Florida Statutes § 775.082 and § 775.083.
Charges of aggravated harassment can end in you going to prison and set you up for harsher penalties down the line, should other convictions follow—this is where a Boynton Beach Attorney from Leifert & Leifert can help. Understanding the statutes defining these crimes is the first step to constructing an effective defense, and one of our Lawyers can put together the best defense based on your circumstances.
How Representation by a Lawyer Can Help
In order to convict a person of aggravated harassment, the Prosecution must prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. That means showing that a Defendant deliberately engaged in harassment, and that the harassment was aggravated.
A Lawyer can challenge each of these elements. They can dispute any evidence presented that allegedly proves the crime. This could mean showing that there was no harassment, that there was a lack of intent, or that there was no condition present to make the harassment aggravated.
An Attorney can also work to prevent violations of your rights as a Defendant, including your right not to incriminate yourself and your right to protection from unreasonable search and seizure by the police. If you are facing aggravated harassment charges, you should consult a Boynton Beach defense Attorney from a firm such as Leifert & Leifert for help as soon as possible.
Defend Yourself Against Aggravated Harassment Charges With a Boynton Beach Attorney
You could have a legitimate reason for interacting with someone and be subject to a misunderstanding, or you might be a victim of circumstances rather than a person intending to commit a crime. If you are facing charges and do not know what to do next, you should call a Boynton Beach aggravated harassment Lawyer for assistance.
At Leifert & Leifert, we can review your case during a free initial consultation, investigate, and build your defense. Contact us to schedule an appointment today and get started.
