Austin, TX Stalking Arrest Defense Attorneys You Can Trust
The penalties for stalking and harassment in Texas can be harsh
In the complex landscape of law and order, when facing stalking and harassment charges in Texas, you need an experienced defense attorney to protect your rights and your future.
At Botsford & Roark, our stalking defense lawyers have over three decades of legal experience. Our Austin-based law firm is prepared to stand firmly by your side when the stakes are at their highest.
If you have been charged in Austin, Travis County, or elsewhere in Central Texas, contact our stalking attorneys for a confidential case evaluation. We can answer questions, explain your legal options, and help you decide what to do next.
Understanding stalking and harassment in Texas
Stalking and harassment are distinct yet interconnected legal offenses in Texas, each defined by its unique set of regulations and penalties. Harassment often involves isolated incidents of troublesome behavior, while stalking implies a consistent pattern of conduct that provokes fear or emotional distress.
Stalking is characterized by a course of conduct aimed at inducing fear, emotional distress, or harm to another person. Texas law takes stalking seriously, with convictions carrying severe repercussions, including imprisonment and substantial fines.
- Typically, stalking is a third-degree felony, however it can be a second-degree or first-degree felony if there are aggravating factors, such as prior stalking convictions or targeting vulnerable individuals.
- Penalties for a typical stalking charge include a minimum of 2, but no more than 10, years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. If the charge is second-degree or first-degree felony stalking, the penalties increase to include the possibility of life in prison.
Harassment encompasses a spectrum of behaviors designed to torment, annoy, alarm, or emotionally distress another individual. It encompasses actions such as repeated unwanted contact, threats, or offensive communication.
- Typically, a Texas harassment charge is a class A or B misdemeanor. However, charges can escalate to stalking under specific circumstances.
- Penalties are up to 180 days or 1 year in jail and up to $2,000-$4,000 in fines.
Stalking and harassment defense
At Botsford & Roark, our approach to defending against stalking and harassment charges is unwavering. We are committed to crafting a strong defense that challenges the evidence, scrutinizes the legal elements, and addresses any factors that could weaken the prosecution's case. Our goal is to create reasonable doubt while protecting your rights and reputation. Every case is unique, but common defenses strategies for stalking and harassment charges include:
- Challenging intent. Stalking and harassment cases often hinge on proving intent to cause fear or distress.
- Victim's perception. We can scrutinize whether the alleged victim's fear or distress is objectively reasonable.
- Grand jury. If necessary, we utilize the grand jury system to ensure that your case is accurately presented, and that "probable cause" is rigorously examined.
If you were arrested for stalking, you need to take the charges seriously
If you have been charged with stalking or harassment in Central Texas, don't face these charges alone. Trust Botsford & Roark to fight relentlessly to safeguard your rights, reputation, and future.
Contact our stalking arrest defense lawyers today and take the first step toward securing your freedom. Your peace of mind is our priority. We offer free case evaluations and are available to hear from you any time, day or night.