Tampa Stalking Defense Attorney

Stalking & Harassment in Tampa, Florida

Stalking is a criminal act when a person purposefully and repeatedly harasses another person or intends to harass another person. 

Stalking may take several different forms, including but not limited to:

• In-person stalking
• Cyberstalking
• Workplace stalking and harassment
• Stalking a partner or spouse
• Stalking an ex-spouse or ex-partner

In many stalking cases, the alleged victim requests a restraining order to prevent the alleged stalker from making contact with them or following them. Having a restraining order taken out against you can result in many serious consequences, including being unable to return home if you share a home with the person who was granted the order or even losing custody of your children. 

If you have been accused of stalking, you face serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and more. It’s crucial that you talk to a stalking defense attorney who can act quickly to protect your rights.

Call (813) 321-7323 or contact us online to discuss your case with a knowledgeable stalking attorney in Tampa.

Stalking Charges & Penalties in Florida

Florida has adopted strict anti-stalking laws. These laws demand that stalkers be arrested and punished for their harassing behaviors, including violence, threats, invasion of privacy, burglary, vandalism, and trespassing. 

Stalking may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony in Florida, depending on the nature of the alleged offense, the defendant's record, whether the alleged victim was injured, and other key factors. 

Stalking charges and penalties in Florida include:

• Repeatedly harassing, following, or stalking is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail, 1 year of probation, and a $1,000 fine.
• Stalking and making a credible threat against another person, stalking in violation of a protective order or restraining order, and stalking a child under the age of 16 are third-degree felonies punishable by up to 5 years in prison, 5 years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.

Stalking is defined and its penalties are outlined in Florida Statutes 784.048. Specific penalties will depend not only on whether stalking is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony but also whether there are any mitigating or aggravating factors that would allow for a reduced or enhanced sentence.

Talk to a Tampa Stalking Defense Lawyer

Being accused of stalking or harassment can result in criminal charges and a restraining order against the alleged offender. These are issues that must be taken seriously from the start, and that is why you must contact an attorney as soon as possible if you've been accused of stalking, harassment, or cyberstalking. Your job, your freedom, your reputation, and your personal relationships may all be in jeopardy, but a qualified criminal defense attorney can help.

At The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk, we have fought for the rights of everyday people throughout Florida for over two decades. Our Tampa stalking defense attorney, Jeff Paulk, knows how to counter these allegations, deal with restraining orders, and build strong defenses that protect your constitutional rights.

Find out how we can help you by calling (813) 321-7323.