(561) 988-8000 Certain actions that might not seem dangerous can qualify as harassment or stalking, especially if a person feels distressed by those actions. Following a person or interacting aggressively with them, either in person or online, can have you facing harassment charges.
In some circumstances, harassment can be considered aggravated, turning the charge into a more serious offense. If you are facing these kinds of charges, one of our Broward County aggravated harassment Lawyers can act quickly to start mounting your defense. Contact a Leifert & Leifert Attorney who can get the best possible results for your case.
What Makes for Aggravated Harassment Charges?
Harassing someone can include many different actions and activities under Florida law. As defined by Florida Statutes § 784.048, harassment covers any course or pattern of conduct over a certain period that is directed toward an individual, causes emotional distress, and has no legitimate purpose.
Therefore, following, harassing, or even cyberstalking can be considered a crime under the same statute. Stalking may be considered a misdemeanor, but it can be charged as a third-degree Felony in cases of aggravated stalking or harassment.
The aggravated version of the crime comes from an additional alleged acts of wrongdoing. For example, stalking or harassing someone while also making a credible threat can result in an aggravated charge. Violating a Court Injunction or stalking a person under the age of 16 can also lead to aggravated charges.
This version of stalking is punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, aggravated stalking carries more severe consequences. The penalties for a third-degree Felony include a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $5,000 under Florida Statutes § 775.082 and § 775.083.
Both versions of this crime require intention, as opposed to accidental or coincidental actions, along with emotional distress on the part of an alleged victim. Defending aggravated harassment charges can be made easier with the help of a Broward County Lawyer from Leifert & Leifert.
Defending Against Claims of Aggravated Harassment
Aside from being involved in an illegal action, the requirement of intention by an alleged perpetrator of aggravated harassment is integral to your defense. If you have been accused of harassment, you may be able to show that there was no intention behind your actions or that there was another legitimate reason for following or interacting with the victim.
One of our Attorneys can help a suspect show a lack of intention by gathering evidence on their behalf and constructing their overall defense. A Lawyer can investigate the surrounding circumstances and develop a counternarrative in order to prevent a conviction of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
On a procedural level, a Lawyer can also push back against the collection of evidence by the police and the admission of evidence in Court. Violations of a Defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights should exclude evidence and testimony, but an Attorney will need to demonstrate a violation to a Judge.
Other requirements of the crime might not be met by a suspect’s actions, such as no prior course of conduct to support the alleged stalking behavior. Working with a Leifert & Leifert Attorney to help defend against aggravated harassment charges in Broward County can let a Defendant make their case and avoid serious consequences.
Talk to a Broward County Attorney About Aggravated Harassment Charges
If you find yourself under investigation for alleged harassment or facing criminal charges, a Broward County aggravated harassment Lawyer can get you the help you need to craft your defense.
Our Lawyers at Leifert & Leifert can evaluate your case during a free initial consultation and can start fighting on your behalf. Call us as soon as possible to start the process.
