Being accused of harassment is more than a minor inconvenience. Harassment is a crime in Pennsylvania and you could be hit with a variety of penalties if you are convicted. A charge or conviction can also lead to additional legal trouble. This is why it’s important to talk to a Blue Bell criminal defense lawyer who can help you fight back against any accusations and charges.
What Can Be Considered Harassment in Pennsylvania?
Many types of behavior can be considered harassment. Some common examples include:
- Threatening to harm another person
- Attempting to make unwanted physical contact with another person
- Communicating or threatening another person with lewd conduct or obscenities
- Following another person around
- Committing conduct that does not serve any legitimate purpose
- Making attempts at communicating with another person that are solely intended to bother or unsettle them
What Are the Potential Punishments for Harassment?
Some forms of harassment are graded as a “summary offense.” This essentially puts the charge on the same level as a traffic ticket. That doesn’t mean that the charge should not be taken seriously though. A conviction of harassment, even at this level, can result in 90 days of jail time and a fine of up to $300.
More severe forms of harassment can result in more severe forms of punishment. If your crime is classed as a third-degree misdemeanor, then you could be facing up to a year in prison and up to $2,000 in fines. Your case could also get more complicated if additional charges, like stalking or the violation of a protective order, are filed against you.
Will a Harassment Charge Stay on My Record?
A conviction for harassment can stay on your record and cause issues for you in the future. Having a criminal record can make punishments for any future convictions more severe, but this conviction will also show up in background checks. This could make it more difficult to secure employment or a place to live. This is why fighting harassment charges is worthwhile.
When Should I Talk to an Attorney?
You should talk to an attorney as soon as you are charged with a crime. Do not try to explain the situation to the cops. Do not reach out to the person accusing you of harassment. Get a lawyer and let them do any talking for you.
A lawyer from our firm can also help you develop a defensive strategy based on the circumstances of your case. The state is trying to prove that you have exhibited a pattern of behavior, but we will do our best to poke holes in their case.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
If you are facing a harassment charge, take it seriously. Contact Mudrick & Zucker to schedule a consultation and learn more about what our attorneys can do to defend you.
