When you’re accused of stalking, there’s a lot on the line—and if the court finds you guilty, you could lose your good name and reputation, a significant amount of money through fines, and even your freedom.
For most people, it makes sense to get in touch with a stalking defense lawyer in Milwaukee or Waukesha because the consequences of a conviction can be so severe.
What is Stalking?
Under Wisconsin law, the court can find you guilty of stalking if you engaged in a “course of conduct” (two or more acts carried out over any amount of time, provided that they show a continuity of purpose) that includes:
1. Maintaining a visual or physical proximity to the victim.
2. Approaching or confronting the victim.
3. Appearing at the victim’s workplace or contacting the victim’s employer or coworkers.
4. Appearing at the victim’s home or contacting the victim’s neighbors.
5. Entering property owned, leased, or occupied by the victim.
6. Contacting the victim by telephone or causing the victim’s telephone or any other person’s telephone to ring repeatedly or continuously, regardless of whether a conversation ensues.
6m. Photographing, videotaping, audiotaping, or, through any other electronic means, monitoring or recording the activities of the victim. This subdivision applies regardless of where the act occurs.
7. Sending material by any means to the victim or, for the purpose of obtaining information about, disseminating information about, or communicating with the victim, to a member of the victim’s family or household or an employer, coworker, or friend of the victim.
8. Placing an object on or delivering an object to property owned, leased, or occupied by the victim.
9. Delivering an object to a member of the victim’s family or household or an employer, coworker, or friend of the victim or placing an object on, or delivering an object to, property owned, leased, or occupied by such a person with the intent that the object be delivered to the victim.
10. Causing the person to engage in any of these acts.
Do You Need to Talk to a Stalking Defense Lawyer in Milwaukee or Waukesha?
If you’ve been accused of stalking, the penalties of a conviction can be extremely harsh. Stalking is typically a Class I felony, but it can be a Class H felony (especially if you have a previous conviction for a violent crime, or if the victim is your previous victim, or if the victim is under the age of 18 at the time of the offense).
In some cases, stalking can even be a Class F felony.
You may need to talk to a stalking defense lawyer immediately—and if that’s the case, call us at 414-383-6700. We’ll give you a free stalking defense consultation with an attorney and start developing a plan that helps get you the best possible outcome.
