Mesa Stalking Attorney
Stalking charges can be brought for a wide variety of actions including repeated text messages, phone calls, or appearances at a person’s home, workplace, or school. If you are accused of implied threatening behavior, you could be facing serious criminal charges, even if you were making a legitimate attempt to communicate with another person.
At the Grand Canyon Law Group, our experienced domestic violence attorneys are skilled at investigating and defending these types of cases. A Mesa stalking lawyer can protect your rights, clear up misunderstandings, and ensure that your side of the story is represented.
For a free legal consultation with a stalking lawyer serving Mesa, call 480-400-5555
WHAT CONSTITUTES STALKING IN MESA?
Stalking is an offense outlined under the Arizona Criminal Code, Title 13-2923. It involves intentionally or knowingly engaging in conduct directed towards another person that causes emotional distress. These charges can also involve an alleged victim fearing that their property is going to be damaged or destroyed, or that someone will be injured, whether it be themselves, a family member, or an animal. Our seasoned local attorneys can investigate the exact circumstances of a stalking case to determine an effective defense strategy.
Mesa Stalking Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HARASSMENT AND STALKING
Harassment, addressed under A.R.S. 13-2921, relates to communication between the suspect and the alleged victim. Harassment charges could be brought for:
- Repeated calls, texts, or other forms of contact
- Spying or surveillance
- False reports
On the other hand, stalking involves more threatening behaviors. The alleged victim must fear harm to themselves, their property, or other people for stalking charges to be brought. The difference depends on the nature of the act and whether it is seen as dangerous or merely annoying. However, it is possible for a person to be charged with both harassment and stalking.
ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL OFFENSES RELATED TO STALKING
Stalking charges could be added on to other criminal offenses. For instance, if a person is accused of following someone into a restricted area, they could be charged with trespassing. Looking into someone’s home or window could lead to voyeurism charges on top of stalking or harassment. Threatening or intimidating is another separate offense that our experienced Mesa attorneys often defend alongside stalking charges.
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PENALTIES FOR A STALKING CONVICTION IN MESA
A person could face various penalties depending on the nature of the alleged stalking. For instance, stalking that relates to emotional distress and/or physical injury is typically a Class 5 felony. If a person threatens serious physical injury using a deadly weapon, the charges increase to a Class 3 felony and in some cases can be charged as a “dangerous” offense, which escalated prison exposure and other penalties.
Sentencing for any of these felony charges can include many years in prison. Stalking is a serious offense, and those accused need aggressive legal representation from the best legal team to protect their future and way of life.
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CHALLENGING ORDERS OF PROTECTION FOR STALKING
An order of protection is a judicial order that commands or forbids a person from contacting another person or going to certain places. If a person is charged with stalking, their release conditions will forbid contact with the alleged victim.
However, an alleged victim does not need to have stalking charges to seek an order of protection. The knowledgeable attorneys at our Mesa office can assist with challenging orders of protection, whether they are independent of or related to stalking charges.
PREPARING A DEFENSE FOR STALKING ALLEGATIONS
When preparing a defense in a stalking case, our skilled Mesa lawyers will gather all sorts of evidence related to what was going on in the relationship. This could include text messages or other electronic information.
We will also work to get information about the accuser and see what motivated them to make those charges, whether there is a reasonable explanation for the behavior, or whether there is even proof that the alleged stalking occurred. Using this evidence, an experienced attorney at our firm can determine the best possible defense strategy for combatting the stalking allegations.
SHOULD YOU TAKE A PLEA DEAL FOR STALKING CHARGES IN MESA?
It depends on the nature of the evidence. If there is good proof that the defendant engaged in harassing behavior, and there is no reasonable explanation for it, an attorney may advise against going to trial where the evidence is stacked against them. Even in cases where the evidence is strong, our attorneys can often negotiate an outcome where our clients get minimal penalties in exchange for an admission or plea. At times, we can even avoid a conviction on their record.
There may be mitigating circumstances in the defendant’s favor, such as a mental health problem or unusual circumstances that lead to the alleged stalking. In every case, a local attorney experienced in handling stalking cases will need to look at the individual situation and decide on the best approach. Negotiating an outcome through a plea may be beneficial in certain cases.
RETAIN A MESA ATTORNEY TO DEFEND AGAINST STALKING CHARGES
When researching defense lawyers, it is essential to work with someone who knows the law, who is creative, and who is not afraid to fight against the allegations and stand up for their client. The right attorney could make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.
At Grand Canyon Law Group, we understand how these charges are pursued by local prosecutors, and we know all the possible defenses to stalking charges in Mesa. We know the judges who handle these types of cases. We are well-equipped to evaluate the evidence, formulate a defense strategy, and work for the best outcome in negotiations or court. Give us a call today to learn how we can fight for you and your way of life.
CALL A MESA ATTORNEY TO DEFEND AGAINST STALKING CHARGES
If you are accused of harassing or threatening someone, you need to take the allegations seriously and contact legal counsel as soon as possible. A conviction could hurt your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities.
At Grand Canyon Law Group, we believe you have a way of life worth protecting and are here to provide dedicated representation regardless of the circumstances of your case. Whether there is a good basis or proof of these accusations, it is vital to get at top criminal defense team to handle your case the right way from day one. At GCLG, all we do is criminal defense. You will be represented by a former Deputy County Attorney who knows the players involved in your case and how to attack the weaknesses in the accusations against you. Call us today and speak to a Mesa stalking lawyer about your situation.
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