Harassment is any action taken by a person with the express purpose of annoying or alarming another person. Under New York law, if you are charged with harassment, you could be looking at a violation, misdemeanor, or felony. Ultimately, it depends on the severity of the alleged action. Allegations of harassment are extremely serious. If you are facing harassment charges, contact a skilled Rockland County Criminal Defense Attorney who can help you seek justice.
What are the different types of harassment charges you could face in New York City?
Harassment is defined as touching or subjecting a person to physical contact with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm that person. Harassment includes threats that a person intends to carry out that could cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or their families safety. Different types of harassment include:
- sexual
- stalking
- menacing
- cyberstalking
- cyberbullying
Those accused of harassment can face criminal consequences. New York divides harassment into first and second-degree crimes, as well as standard harassment and aggravated harassment.
Standard Harassment
First-Degree Harassment:
First-degree harassment charges occur when a person repeatedly harasses another person by following them in public or engaging in conduct that places the person in reasonable fear of injury. First-degree harassment charges are a class B misdemeanor in NYC.
Second-Degree Harassment:
Second-degree harassment charges occur when a person either strikes another person or attempts to threaten to do so. If the person follows them in a public space and acts in a way that causes alarm or seriously annoys another person serving no legitimate purpose. Second-degree harassment is considered a violation. Violations are offenses that may result in a fine but no jail time.
Aggravated Harassment
First-degree aggravated Harassment:
First-degree aggravated harassment charges occur when a person is harassed based on their perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. If any premises were damaged or they have a previous conviction of the same offense, they will be charged with a class E felony.
Second-degree aggravated harassment:
Second-degree aggravated harassment charges occur when a person communicates anonymously with a person by telephone, mail, or other written communication in a manner likely to cause alarm or annoyance. If the person makes a telephone call with no legitimate communication, this can also be considered harassment. If the person strikes, attempts to strike, or threatens to strike a person on account of their perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. If they cause injury to another person they will be charged as well as if they are a repeat harassment offender. If you are charged with second-degree aggravated harassment, you are looking at a class A misdemeanor.
New York criminalizes a broad range of harassment. In the event, you find yourself accused of harassment, an experienced attorney at our devoted firm can help you seek justice.
Contact our experienced Rockland County firm
Those facing criminal charges in New York need a strong criminal defense attorney who knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. Call today or contact The Law Office of Carl Spector online to schedule a free confidential consultation.
