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Baltimore County Family Law Attorney Blog

Baltimore & Towson Lawyer DIscusses Stalking and Domestic Violence

Written by Amar Weisman » August 10, 2016 »

Family Law, Stalking and Domestic Violence

The stalking legislation in Maryland underwent modifications in October 2003. Stalking involves an individual pursuing or approaching another person, instilling fear of severe harm in them. The updated law provides a clear definition of this.

Stalking can involve repeatedly showing up at someone's home or workplace. It can also include sending unwanted gifts or messages. Stalking behavior is illegal and can have serious consequences.

Stalking can lead to serious harm like sexual assault, physical assault, or even death. It doesn't matter if the stalker knew or should have known the harm they were causing. In simple terms, the updated law no longer requires someone to prove that the person stalking them intended to harm them.

Stalkers can be charged under misdeameanor and/or felony statutes in Maryland and face fines and incarceration.

Information to keep yourself safe and secure.

Many stalking incidents often occur between individuals who have previously been in a relationship. In particular, those who have gone through a divorce or separation frequently face stalking behavior from their former partner.

If you feel that your ex-partner is stalking you, it is crucial to seek assistance from law enforcement and legal experts. Stalking is a serious crime, and you deserve protection from it.

What is Stalking Under Maryland Law?

If the alleged stalker is performing any of the following behaviors, you may be the victim of stalking:

  • Sending unwanted texts, emails and/or letters
  • Giving gifts that you do not want
  • Accumulating information about you
  • Posting personal details about you and/or spreading or starting rumors
  • Calling when you have asked him or her not to call
  • Continuing to stay with you, even after you asked them to leave

If you believe you are being stalked, be sure to keep track of every incident in a log.

Contact the authorities

People who are being stalked are at risk, whether they react as the stalker wants or not. In fact, the situation may get increasingly worse. The person who is stalking may start to make real threats or use intimidation to try to create a relationship. And when that doesn’t work, some stalkers will turn to violence.

Accordingly, those who believe they are being stalked should never downplay the issue. To stop the stalking, create a plan and protect yourself. Those who believe they are being stalked have access to several resources.

Around 7.5 million people in the US are stalked each year, as reported by the National Center for Victims of Crime. Both men and women are at risk of being stalked, with women accounting for 15 percent of victims and men accounting for 6 percent.

Stalking post-separation is common, contact a Towson divorce attorney for protection and clarification on your rights.

Contact (410) 321-4994 to Schedule a Complimentary Consultation.

Contact The Law Offices of Amar S. Weisman at (410) 321-4994 to arrange a complimentary consultation. The meeting will allow you to decide whetehr you wish to hire Amar Weisman. See Our Policy on Fees and Costs.

The family business is next to The Circuit Court for Baltimore County. It is located at 1018 Dulaney Valley Road in Towson, MD 21204.

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