In recent years, states across the country have criminalized stalking. Stalkers engage in behaviors which are intended to control a victim by threatening him or her, by terrifying them and by intimidation. Stalkers are often a former intimate partner, but they can also be a complete stranger, or someone who knows the victim.
A stalker can be an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend or a former spouse. A stalker can be a current spouse’s ex-husband or wife. A stalker can be a co-worker, a former co-worker, a neighbor, a classmate, or even a member of the victim’s church or community.
Stalkers are known to follow victims for days, weeks or even years. Stalking victims are afraid their stalkers will harm their pets, break into their homes, damage their property, vandalize their vehicles, hurt someone they love, or seriously injure or kill them. Sometimes stalkers don’t act alone; they enlist friends to stalk on their behalf.
Behaviors of a stalker:
- Follows the victim on foot
- Follows the victim in an automobile
- Breaks into the victim’s home
- Makes threatening calls to the victim
- Physically injures or kills the victim’s pets
- Vandalizes the victim’s car or other personal property
- Sends the victim threatening emails, letters or texts
- Drives by the victim’s home, work, or school
In Texas, stalking behaviors fall into two categories: 1) terroristic threat and, 2) stalking. Under Section 22.07, a person commits the offense of terroristic threat when he or she threatens violence against the victim’s person or their property and such threat places the victim in imminent fear of serious bodily injury. Terroristic threat under Sec. 22.07 is a Class B misdemeanor.
Stalking is a Felony Offense
Aside from terroristic threats, the actual offense of stalking is a third-degree felony under Section 42.072 of the Texas Penal Code. However, if the defendant has a prior conviction for stalking, it’s a second-degree felony. Learn about the sentencing and penalties for Class B misdemeanors, second and third-degree felonies here.
“Conduct has to occur on more than one occasion and be directed towards the victim and/or the victim’s family or household members. More than one police report is not required,” according to texasattorneygeneral.gov. Stalking acts can include damaging the victim’s property, and threatening to contact them by phone or mail.
Related: “What Are the Effects of a Protective Order?”
Facing stalking charges in Denton County? Contact our firm at once to set up a free initial consultation with Attorney Adame.