Stalking Crimes in Polk County
Under Section 784.048(2), F.S., the crime of stalking is charged as a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The elements of stalking require proof beyond a reasonable doubt of the following elements:
- the defendant acted willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly;
- by following, harassing, or cyberstalking;
- another person.
The crime of aggravated stalking is charged as a third degree felony punishable by up to five (5) years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Aggravated stalking required proof beyond a reasonable doubt that a person:
- the defendant acted willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly;
- by following, harassing, or cyberstalking:
- a child under 16 years of age; or
- another person, and makes a credible threat to that person;
- another person who has been granted:
- an injunction for protection against repeat violence, sexual violence, or dating violence pursuant to s. 784.046, F.S.; or
- an injunction for protection against domestic violence pursuant to s. 741.30, F.S.; or
- after any other court-imposed prohibition of conduct toward the subject person or that person’s property.
The crime of aggravated stalking can be charged against a person who contacts the victim of the offense in violation of Section 921.244, F.S., after having been sentenced for a violation of one of the following offenses:
- sexual battery under Section 794.011, F.S.;
- lewd or lascivious offenses under Section 800.04, F.S.; or
- computer pornography offenses under Section 847.0135(5), F.S.
If the defendant and alleged victim are domestically related, the crime of stalking or aggravated stalking is classified as a crime of domestic violence in Polk County, FL.
Attorney for Stalking Crimes in Polk County, FL
If you were charged with the crime of stalking or aggravated stalking, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Sammis Law Firm. We represent clients charged with violent crimes in Polk County, including Bartow, Lakeland, and Winter Haven.
We can also represent you if you were charged with an injunction for protection from stalking in Polk County, FL.
Contact us for an initial consultation. During the confidential consultation, learn more about the charges, the typical penalties imposed, and the best defense to fight for an outright dismissal of the charges.
Call 813-250-0500.
This article was last updated on Thursday, June 20, 2023.
