Virginia Beach Stalking Attorney

In 1992, Virginia, like many other states, passed a series of anti-stalking measures to make stalking a criminal offense.  In the years that followed, these laws were updated to include more severe penalties for such behavior. As a result, a person charged with stalking can face serious punishment, including time behind bars—even for a first offense. If you have been charged with stalking, it is important to contact a Virginia Beach stalking attorney immediately. In many cases, an attorney may be able to reduce the charges against you, or even eliminate them altogether.

Virginia law defines stalking as any type of intentional conduct that threatens another person’s life or creates a reasonable fear of harm or death. Following a person, harassing someone over the phone, sending unsolicited gifts, and showing up at a person’s home or workplace are some of the most common actions that can warrant stalking charges.

If this is your first stalking charge, you will most likely be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor—a category reserved for the most severe misdemeanor crimes. If convicted, your sentence may include 12 months in jail, and up to a $2,500 fine. In addition, a restraining order will be issued to prevent you from contacting the victim.

Repeat offenders may face additional penalties for stalking, as state law requires any person who has more than two prior stalking convictions within a five-year period to be charged with a Class 6 felony. As a more serious offense, the penalties for a Class 6 felony include a one to five-year prison sentence and/or a $2,500 fine.

Along with the legal ramifications, being convicted of stalking can seriously damage your reputation and threaten future opportunities. Your conviction will remain on your criminal record indefinitely, where it will be seen by potential employers, housing providers, and any other person checking your background. If convicted of felony stalking, you may even lose your current job, as many companies refuse to employee anyone who has been convicted of a felony in the past.

Fortunately, an experienced stalking attorney can help reduce the likelihood of being convicted for stalking. After over a decade of handling cases like yours, attorney Michael C. Tillotson has amassed a wealth of knowledge and trial experience—both invaluable tools for fighting your charges. Mr. Tillotson is well-versed in Virginia’s stalking laws, and can use his knowledge to create a strong defense for your case.

Remember, the prosecutor must not only prove that you committed a certain action, but also show that the action in question could be reasonably perceived as a threat by the victim—requirements that are often difficult to prove. When you’re ready to fight, contact attorney Michael C. Tillotson today for a free consultation on your case.