Domestic Violence Harassment

Harassment involves various behaviors that can cause emotional distress or make someone feel unsafe. It extends beyond physical encounters or explicit threats to include actions such as seemingly harmless phone calls or text messages. Often, police reports don’t fully capture the nuances of harassment cases, as they can involve subtler and more complex dynamics. Unfortunately, defendants face significant challenges in such cases, as prosecutors may often have preconceived notions about guilt or innocence and are determined to pursue these cases aggressively.

What is Harassment Under the Law?

The Pennsylvania Code defines harassment under Section 2709. This statute outlines two primary offenses associated with harassment: general harassment and cyber harassment of a child. If you’re facing such charges or need legal guidance, consulting with a Waynesburg criminal lawyer can help you understand your rights and legal options.

General Harassment

According to Pennsylvania law, harassment refers to deliberate actions intended to annoy, alarm, or harass another individual. Such actions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Making repeated attempts to contact someone.
• Intentional physical contact meant to harm or provoke.
• Following someone persistently in public spaces.
• Communicating at inconvenient times with the intent to disturb.

Cyber Harassment of a Child

This specific offense involves targeting children using electronic means or social media to intimidate or cause distress. Examples of cyber harassment of a child include:

• Making threats of harm online.
• Posting offensive remarks about a child’s physical or mental health, appearance, or sexuality.
• Disseminating disparaging comments or opinions about a minor.
• Sending inappropriate jokes, images, or comments to a child.

Penalties for Harassment in Pennsylvania

Harassment charges in Pennsylvania can range from a summary offense to a third-degree misdemeanor. Penalties vary depending on the severity of the offense:

• Summary Offense: Up to 90 days in jail and fines of up to $300.
• Third-Degree Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to one year in jail and fines of up to $2,000.

If harassment involves violating a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order or repeated harassment of the same victim or their family, the penalties are elevated by one grade. Whether an act is deemed a summary offense or a misdemeanor will depend on the particular details and severity of the incident. That’s where a Waynesburg DUI attorney can help you arrange your case effectively.

Examples of Harassment

Below are some of the most common examples of actions considered harassment under Pennsylvania law:

• Repeatedly attempting to contact a person despite being asked not to.
• Intentionally making physical contact to harm or provoke someone.
• Sending offensive or inappropriate messages or images to a minor over the internet.
• Persistently issuing threats to another individual, either online or in person.
• Following someone repeatedly in public spaces.
• Contacting individuals at inappropriate or inconvenient hours.

The foundation of any harassment case lies in proving intent. Prosecutors need to establish that the defendant deliberately intended to harm, alarm, or disturb the victim.

Defenses Against Harassment Charges

Harassment charges are often easier for prosecutors to prove than other related charges, such as stalking. The focus largely revolves around establishing evidence that demonstrates the accused person’s intent. For example, they might rely on:

• Text messages and recorded phone calls.
• Witness statements or victim testimonials presented in court.

When defending against harassment charges, it’s critical to present the defendant’s side of the story. A skilled Waynesburg criminal lawyer can ensure that the accused’s voice is properly heard and their perspective represented in court. It often entails entering testimony from the defendant while carefully handling cross-examinations conducted by the prosecution.

Facing harassment charges can be an overwhelming and painstaking process. Juries and prosecutors sometimes make initial assessments of guilt solely based on the accusations, which makes a robust legal defense essential. Here’s where an experienced Waynesburg DUI attorney can make a decisive difference.

How Logue Law Can Help You

If you or someone you know is grappling with harassment charges in Waynesburg, seeking reliable legal representation is crucial. At Logue Law, attorney Sean Logue and his team specialize in handling harassment-related cases. They possess extensive experience navigating complex Pennsylvania legal statutes and delivering strong defenses for their clients.

What sets Logue Law’s Waynesburg criminal lawyers apart?

• Deep expertise in Pennsylvania harassment laws.
• Strong advocacy skills to represent clients against aggressive prosecution.
• A compassionate and client-centered approach.

For immediate support, contact us at 844.PITT.DUI or fill out our online contact form. Initial consultations are free, and we proudly serve Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.

Secure your defense today with an experienced Waynesburg DUI attorney and take the first step toward effectively fighting your harassment charges.