Stalking is something which people sometimes refer to in a joking way, but it is, in fact, a serious crime which causes a great deal of harm to many people across Texas every year. It is estimated that nearly a million and a half women in Texas have experienced at least one incidence of stalking in their lifetimes. Of course, there are also male victims of stalking, and although they are fewer in number than their female counterparts, the effects of the crime of stalking on them are no less devastating.

Stalking can be described as a pattern of actions which are done by one person towards another person, such as harassment, annoyance, abuse, embarrassment, humiliation, repeated and incessant contact of any kind, or threats of harm against the person or their friends or family members, which causes the other person to become fearful. Many stalking victims are contacted by their stalking victims at least once a week, and about one quarter of all stalking victims are contacted by their stalkers on a daily basis. Stalking occurs over an extended period of time, with most incidents occurring over a period of six or more months, and some cases where the behavior has been going on for five or more years. Computers and cell phones are the most common methods used by stalkers to contact their victims, with text messaging, social media, phone calls, and email all being used for frequent and offensive or harmful contact.

Stalking is a second or third degree felony in Texas, depending upon whether the perpetrator has had prior offenses. College campuses are a common location for stalking incidents, and legislation was passed in 2013 that requires campus police to report incidents of stalking. Regardless of where the crime occurs, stalking victims can file for protective orders against their stalkers, and they can even be compensated financially for damages that they have sustained as a result of being stalked. Stalking victims may be damaged financially as a result of the activities of their stalker, if, for example, they avoid going to work because they are afraid to do so. They may incur medical expenses, in the form of treatment for anxiety, depression, troubles with sleeping, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Evidentiary issues are abundant in stalking cases, and much of the evidence in your stalking case is likely to come from the victim’s own testimony. A skilled Texas Criminal Defense Attorney can help you to identify any possible evidentiary challenges that exist in your case, and they can help you to gather evidence which could be helpful to your defense.

If you have been accused of the crime of stalking, it is essential that you get help from an attorney. Stalking charges are very serious, and you need an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner to help you present your very best case. An East Texas Criminal Lawyer can help you pursue the best possible outcome in your stalking case. To learn more, call attorney Alex Tyra today, to schedule a free consultation. We can be reached at (903) 753-7499, or submit a convenient online contact form.