Often times, this charge results from a disagreement between spouses or couples in an intimate relationship making it a domestic violence crime. We all know arguments get heated. Unfortunately, either out of frustration or spite, one party to the argument decides to involve the police. Once the police are called, its likely someone is getting arrested. All because of an accusation.

Harassment accusations come in all shapes and sizes. There are a number of ways to be charged with harassment: touching another person, making obscene remarks or gestures in public, threatening someone by telephone, text message, or any other means, making repeated telephone calls with no purpose, just to name a few. The State simply needs to accuse a person of intending to harass, annoy or alarm another person using any of these means, among others. In other words, it’s not hard for someone to point the finger and accuse you of harassment.

Harassment is generally a class 3 misdemeanor (unless a person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin is the reason for the alleged harassment. Then the charge is a class one misdemeanor) and if convicted you could face up to six months in jail and a fine between $50 and $750. Unfortunately, people charged with harassment often face domestic violence charges as well which may have other collateral consequences. In order to defend against this charge and others like it that often fall into the category of domestic violence, please contact an attorney that knows how to fight back.