Phoenix Stalking Defense Lawyer

Q: Is Stalking a Crime?

Yes, stalking is considered a crime in the state of Arizona. Depending on the circumstances, criminal stalking can be classified as either a Class 3 or Class 5 felony.

Q: Is Stalking a Violent Crime?

Though it’s not always the case, stalking can be considered a violent crime under Arizona law, especially when the behavior involves threats of physical harm or causes the victim to fear for their life or the lives of others close to them. If stalking includes actions that put the victim in fear of being physically injured, even if no violence actually took place, it may still be treated as a violent crime.

Q: What is Considered Stalking?

In Arizona, stalking is considered any repeated behavior that causes someone to feel emotional distress, fear for their safety, or fear damage to their property. This can include following someone, making threats, or using electronic devices to monitor their activities. It also includes repeated actions targeted at the alleged victim or the victim’s family member or members, as well as anyone the alleged victim is currently or was previously in a romantic or sexual relationship with.

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Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney for Phoenix Stalking Charges

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If you are facing stalking charges in Arizona, it’s important to have a skilled Phoenix stalking defense lawyer on your side to ensure you receive the best possible outcome. At Bufete de abogadas Belén in Phoenix, we understand the fear and confusion that can accompany criminal charges such as these, which is why we are dedicated to providing unmatched legal representation to help you protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

Stalking charges can have significant consequences, both on your personal and professional life. Whether you are accused of repeated unwanted behavior, threats, or using electronic communications to harass someone, a Phoenix defense lawyer on our team can build a tailored defense strategy that addresses the specific details of your case.

We’ll investigate the evidence, guide you through the Arizona criminal justice system, and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Call our law offices at (602) 715-0908 o comunicarse en línea to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix stalking defense lawyer today.

Is Stalking a Crime?

Sí, stalking is considered a crime in the state of Arizona. Depending on the circumstances, criminal stalking can be classified as either a Class 3 or Class 5 felony.

Is Stalking a Violent Crime?

Though it’s not always the case, stalking poder be considered a violent crime under Arizona law, especially when the behavior involves threats of physical harm or causes the victim to fear for their life or the lives of others close to them. If stalking includes actions that put the victim in fear of being physically injured, even if no violence actually took place, it may still be treated as a violent crime. To get a clearer picture of whether or not your case may be treated as a violent or dangerous crime in Arizona, contact a Phoenix violent crime attorney en Belén Law Firm hoy.

What is Considered Stalking?

En arizona stalking is considered any repeated behavior that causes someone to feel emotional distress, fear for their safety, or fear damage to their property. This can include following someone, making threats, or using electronic devices to monitor their activities.

It also includes repeated actions targeted at the alleged victim or the victim’s family member or members, as well as anyone the alleged victim is currently or was previously in a romantic or sexual relationship with.

Is Driving By Someone’s House Stalking?

Harmlessly driving down a residential street isn’t a crime. However, driving by someone’s house can be considered stalking in Arizona if it is part of a pattern of behavior that causes the person to feel fear or emotional distress.

A person intentionally driving in front of someone’s home or up and down their street repeatedly or on more than one occasion could cause them significant mental suffering or emotional distress. It could also place them in reasonable fear of harm, all of which could constitute stalking under Arizona law.

Stalking Laws in Arizona

Arizona law defines stalking as engaging in behavior that causes someone to feel fear for their safety or the safety of others. This offense is treated seriously and can include both physical acts and digital communications, with penalties that vary based on the severity of the actions.

The exact definition and associated penalties can be found under Arizona’s Revised Statutes § 13-2923.

ARS §13-2923

De acuerdo a A.R.S. § 13-2923, a person commits stalking if they intentionally or knowingly engage in a pattern of behavior aimed at someone else, causing that person to:

Experience emotional distress or reasonably fear that their property could be damaged or destroyed or that someone could be physically harmed, including:
- The person being stalked.
- A family member, pet, or farm animal.
- A current or former romantic partner.
- Someone living in their household or who lived with them in the past six months.

A person may also be found guilty of stalking if the defendant intentionally or knowingly acts in a manner that causes the person to:

Reasonably fear their own death or the death of a family member, pet, farm animal, current or former romantic partner, or someone living in their household or who lived with them in the past six months.

Arizona’s New Stalking Law: Arizona HB 2419

AZ House Bill 2419 is a new bill that amended Arizona’s stalking law by introducing more specific language to clarify what constitutes stalking behavior and its impact on the victim. The most important change it made was that the course of conduct must either cause the victim to suffer emotional distress o place the victim in reasonable fear for their property, themselves, or others close to them. Originally, the law only stated that the course of conduct must place a reasonable person in fear of harm.

Additionally, HB 2419 expands the definition of the victim’s connections to include domestic animals, livestock, and individuals with whom the victim has had a romantic or sexual relationship, or who reside on the victim’s property.

Lastly, the amendment broadens the concept of “course of conduct” to include indirect actions and communications through third parties or through electronic means, such as emails or other digital communications.

Arizona Cyberstalking Charges

When we think of stalking in the traditional sense, we often associate it with the act of maintaining visual or physical proximity with the victim, or sending them written physical or verbal threats, on at least two or more occasions. However, nowadays, stalking has taken on a new form: cyberstalking.

In Arizona, cyberstalking involves using electronic communication to stalk or harass someone. This can include repeated, unwanted messages, threats, or other forms of digital contact that cause emotional distress or fear for the victim’s safety. It may also include using any digital, electronic, or GPS device to monitor someone’s internet or wireless activity for more than 12 hours on more than one occasion, without that person’s consent.

Arizona Aggravated Stalking Charges

Aggravated stalking is a more severe form of stalking that occurs when the behavior puts the alleged victim in reasonable fear of death. More specifically, Arizona’s stalking law classifies aggravated stalking as stalking that involves threats or actions that cause the victim to reasonably fear for their life or the life of others close to them.

This includes the victim, their family members, their current or past romantic or sexual partners, and anyone residing in their home or anyone who has resided in their home with them within the past 6 months.

Can You Go to Jail for Stalking?

If you are convicted of stalking in Arizona, you may be arrested and put in jail. However, the length of your jail or prison sentence will depend on the nature of the crime and whether or not you have any prior felony convictions related to stalking (or similar crimes) on your criminal record.

How Long Can You Go to Jail for Stalking?

Once again, the length of your potential jail sentence for stalking charges will depend on the factors of your case and your criminal record. Normally, stalking in Arizona will result in a Delito grave de clase 5, which is punishable by anywhere between 6 months and 8 years in prison, depending on the nature of your case.

Aggravated stalking, meaning stalking that places the victim in reasonable fear of death, is classified as a Delito grave de clase 3 en Arizona, which is punishable by 2 to 25 years in prison, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case. To gain a better understanding of the potential jail or prison sentence you may be facing for your stalking allegations, speak with an experienced Phoenix stalking defense lawyer at Belén Law Firm who can help break down the penalties for your case.

How To Beat a Stalking Charge

The best way to beat a stalking allegation in Arizona is to have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side to gather evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and develop a strong defense on your behalf. Some of the more common defense strategies our attorneys may explore for stalking charges include:

Falta de intención – the defendant (person accused of stalking) did not intend to cause the victim to suffer from emotional distress or fear with their actions
Lack of Fear or Distress – the defendant’s actions would not have caused a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress or fear
Constitutional Protections – the defendant’s actions were protected by the First Amendment (i.e., the conduct involved lawful speech or expression)
Consentir – the victim consented to the interactions or communications. Evidence that the victim was aware of and agreed to the contact could undermine the claim of stalking
Mistake of Identity – the defendant was mistakenly identified as the perpetrator of the stalking behavior
Lack of a Pattern – the defendant’s behavior did not constitute a “course of conduct” as required by law, meaning the actions were isolated incidents rather than a pattern of repeated behavior
Falta de evidencia – the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime of stalking as defined under Arizona law

If you’re in need of a stalking defense attorney in Phoenix or the nearby Central AZ area, look no further than the attorneys at Belén Law Firm. Our team will provide you with skilled legal representation and work hard to help you secure the best possible outcome in your case, whether that’s reduced or dismissed charges or even a not-guilty verdict.

How Belén Law Firm Can Help Defend Against Phoenix Stalking Charges

At Belén Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing the strongest possible defense for all of our clients, including those facing stalking charges. Led by experienced attorney Belén Olmedo Guerra, our firm has a proven track record in handling complex criminal cases and providing skilled and dedicated representation to the residents of Phoenix and beyond.

We use our extensive experience in the Arizona criminal justice system, combined with our in-depth knowledge of Arizona laws, to provide the best possible defense strategies to individuals facing difficult criminal accusations. Not only that, but we tailor our defense strategies to the unique circumstances of each client, ensuring that every aspect of the case is meticulously examined and addressed.

Whether negotiating favorable outcomes or fiercely advocating in court, our criminal defense law firm is committed to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible result for you. With Belén Law Firm, you can trust that your case will receive the personalized and aggressive defense it deserves.

Charged With Stalking? Call Our Experienced Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation Today

As you can see, stalking is a very serious crime in Arizona, resulting in jail time, fines, and other long-lasting consequences. If you’ve been charged with stalking, it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation on your side as soon as possible to protect your rights and your future. At Belén Law Firm, our dedicated Phoenix criminal defense attorneys are here to help you understand your options and build a strong defense tailored to your unique situation.

Our approach is focused on a thorough investigation of your case, meticulous preparation, and strategic advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom. In addition to defending against stalking charges, we also defend against other related criminal charges, including harassment, Violencia doméstica, cyber crimes, y más.

The Belén Law Firm is proud to offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and provide you with clear, actionable advice on the best course of action, regardless of your ability to pay. Call our law office at (602) 715-0908 o contáctanos a través de nuestro sitio web to schedule a free consultation with a member of our firm today.

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Lo que dicen nuestros clientes

"Primero contratamos a Belen y a su estimado equipo de litigantes expertos. Por su integridad y profesionalismo, pero durante el curso de nuestra representación, obtuvimos un grado de confianza personal que superó con creces nuestras expectativas. Belen demostró un increíble nivel de atención genuina y compasión y un deseo implícito de mantenernos informados y conocedores de cada paso del proceso. Ella es una trabajadora diligente y ardua y no deja piedra sin remover. ¡Nuestra representación fue nada menos que brillante, creativa y exitosa! Ella es sin duda la La dama que quiero en mi esquina. La recomendaría ALTAMENTE a cualquier persona interesada en ganar su caso con la menor cantidad de dolores de cabeza durante todo el proceso ".

"Belén es sin duda la MEJOR abogada defensora que existe. Tiene el corazón, la compasión, la determinación, la columna vertebral y, sobre todo, el deseo de ayudar a sus clientes. La pericia y la experiencia de Belén ayudaron a mitigar nuestro caso para recibir una sentencia reducida. Durante miles de horas durante el año y medio representó a nuestra familia para desafiar a la acusación en cada esquina y en todos los ángulos. Fue más allá de lo que hacen la mayoría de los abogados al contratar a sus propios expertos e investigadores para asegurarse de ir a la batalla completamente cargada. su dedicación, determinación y compromiso, mi familia se sintió sumamente satisfecha y confiada de que obtuvo el mejor resultado con una sentencia reducida. Belén es un ser humano de pie que, no solo representó a nuestra familia, sino que se convirtió en familia. Si quieres la mejor defensa abogado, Belen es su elección! "

"En un momento en el que nos sentimos impotentes y, francamente traumatizados, Belen intervino y nos aseguró que teníamos opciones y nos aseguró que haría todo lo posible para lograr una resolución satisfactoria. Mi hijo adolescente necesitaba defensa contra las fuerzas del orden y mi familia necesitaba asistencia legal. asesoramiento y apoyo de la peor manera. A pesar de que los agentes de policía lo golpearon hasta dejarlo en blanco y negro que dijeron que se resistía al arresto, también lo acusaron de dos delitos graves. Todos estábamos perdidos y Belén pudo mantenernos en tierra mientras pasábamos El proceso explica cada paso en el camino. Ella trabajó extremadamente duro para exponer la verdad sobre el oficial involucrado, y debido a su arduo trabajo, los delitos graves fueron eliminados. Mi hijo puede seguir con su vida sin que su historial y su carácter se vean empañados por estas injustas acusaciones ".

"¡Contrata a este! Hablé con varias firmas antes de usar Belen. Todas las demás firmas me conectaron con un vendedor que se negó a permitirme hablar con un abogado. Belen se puso al teléfono cuando llamé a las 7 pm un sábado. Belen se preocupaba por mi hijo. Tenía una orden de arresto y no lo sabía hasta que lo detuvieron y lo llevaron a la cárcel. Belén fue a la cárcel el sábado, se paró con mi hijo en la cárcel frente al juez de la corte de la cárcel y le dijo Ese juez cómo estaba. Mi hijo salió 2 horas después sin pagar la fianza. La semana siguiente, ella llamó al fiscal y pudo restablecer la declaración de culpabilidad de años anteriores que resultó en el desestimación total del caso. Además, sus honorarios porque todo era más bajo que los otros abogados que estaban tratando de hacerme pagar por teléfono. ¡Recomiendo mucho a Belen! "