By its very nature, stalking involves repeatedly causing someone to experience fear. It is usually not a one-time event and in Virginia, the second offense for stalking is considered a felony. If you are convicted of stalking the same person twice or stalking someone else within 5 years of your first offense, you will be charged with a Class 6 felony. This escalated level of crime may cost you your reputation, professional license, job, college acceptance, or immigration status. Therefore, if you are arrested for second offense stalking, you should consult a Roanoke criminal defense attorney from Roanoke Criminal Attorneys as soon as you can.
Call us today at (540) 343-9349 for a free and confidential consultation to see how we can help.
What is Stalking?
Under Virginia law, stalking occurs when a person who is not an authorized private investigator or law enforcement officer repeatedly and intentionally causes someone else to fear death, sexual assault, or bodily injury by giving them obsessive or unwanted attention. The court will forbid the stalker from seeing the victim in the event of a conviction.
You can get arrested for stalking in Virginia if an alleged victim has credible testimony or a law enforcement officer has made valid observations. You should understand that a stalking arrest does not necessarily lead to a conviction, even if the arrest was made based on the law enforcement officer’s observations. There is always a chance that the officer has provided faulty evidence or made a mistake.
What to Do If You’ve Been Arrested for Stalking
After being arrested for second offense stalking, you should avoid speaking to law enforcement officials or anyone else involved in the case and call a skilled Roanoke criminal defense attorney immediately. Disclosing facts and circumstances of your case to anyone other than an attorney can hurt rather than help your case.
Why Hire a Roanoke Criminal Defense Attorney?
If you are facing a second offense stalking charge, contact a Roanoke criminal defense attorney is a smart decision that can have a positive impact on your future. He or she can thoroughly investigate your situation, look for flaws in the officer’s evidence or alleged victim’s testimony, and build a strong defense. Additionally, an attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the severity of your charges, potentially get your case dismissed, and ensure your rights are being protected.
Call Roanoke Criminal Attorneys Today
Roanoke Criminal Attorneys knows just how frightening it can be to be charged with second offense stalking in Virginia. Our compassionate and experienced Roanoke criminal defense attorney are committed to providing each and every client with the quality legal representation they deserve.
For a free and confidential case consultation, please call us right away at (540) 343-9349 or contact us online.