Harassment

Harassment refers to a number of acts that are intended to harass, annoy, threaten, upset, or alarm people. Harassment is subject to both criminal and civil charges depending on the severity of the situation. Some examples range from stalking, to direct threats to harm a person, and to more severe situations like sexual and discriminatory harassment.

Under the NY Penal Code, harassment is divided into degrees as follows:

• First degree harassment: when an individual repeatedly and intentionally harasses another by following them in public or acting in a way that places them in the reasonable fear of danger.
• Second degree harassment: when an individual intentionally harasses another by physically hurting them or attempting to, following them in public, and acts in a way that causes unnecessary alarm.
• Aggravated harassment: when an individual intentionally harasses another BECAUSE OF their perceived race, gender, age, religion, disability, origin/ancestry, or sexual orientation. This is differentiated by two degrees. The second degree is typically when the harasser communicates with the victim by phone or mail and strikes or attempts to strike an individual.The first degree is when the harasser damages a premises and depicts offensive viewings such as, setting a cross on fire.

If you have been accused of harassment, you need a legal expert with the knowledge, confidence, and experience to speak for you and your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced criminal attorneys.