Have you or a loved one been charged with stalking or aggravated stalking in Florida? Many times, stalking charges arise from a simple misunderstanding that’s blown out of proportion. Other times, the evidence appears to show a pattern of harassment. In either situation, the charges are serious and demand a serious defense.
With 25 years of experience in the criminal justice system, I am a Palm Beach Gardens criminal defense lawyer who understands how to get results — I know how the system works, and how to get it to work for (rather than against) you. When facing a serious charge like stalking, my law firm — The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic — will mount a strong defense to protect your rights and your freedom.
What Is Stalking?
Stalking is a unique form of criminal activity in that it must be composed of a series of actions that, when taken individually, might constitute illegal behavior. In Florida, stalking is characterized as a pattern of malicious and willful behavior that occurs over a period of time. When this kind of behavior is alleged by a former significant other, it is important to contact a Palm Beach Gardens domestic violence attorney.
There are two types of stalking crimes in Florida — each with its own elements and penalties.
- Stalking — A person commits the offense of stalking when they willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follow, harass, or cyberstalk another. Stalking is a first-degree misdemeanor and punishable by up to one year in jail and $1,000 fine.
- Aggravated stalking — A person commits the offense of aggravated stalking when, in addition to the elements above, they make a credible threat to the alleged victim. A credible threat is defined as one that places the alleged victim in reasonable fear for his or her safety or the safety of his or her family. Aggravated stalking is a third-degree felony and punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Defending Your Rights
At The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic, I will fight the allegations against you, and pursue the best course of action to restore your reputation and minimize the negative consequences. I will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and the totality of circumstances surrounding your arrest and the charges filed against you.
I will diligently work to refute the allegations against you by demonstrating inconsistencies in the prosecutor’s case — flawed evidence, false allegations and other problems with the alleged victim’s testimony are often the key to obtaining a dismissal or acquittal.
Contact a lawyer who knows how to get results. Call The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic in Palm Beach Gardens at (561) 656-2024 or reach out online by completing this online contact form.