Laredo, Texas Attorney Defending Residents Accused Of Stalking Or Harassment
Stalking and Harassment Defense Lawyer in Laredo, Texas
If you've been accused of stalking or harassment, you need a skilled defense lawyer to protect your rights. Both of these offenses carry significant penalties under Texas law, and being falsely accused can lead to severe consequences for your reputation, personal life, and freedom.
Many Texans mistakenly believe that stalking or harassment charges are just "annoying" behaviors, such as a series of unwanted text messages or a dispute with a neighbor. However, these offenses are serious criminal charges, and if convicted, you could face jail time, fines, and lasting damage to your record.
At Joey Tellez Law, we understand that allegations of stalking and harassment can often be based on misunderstandings, exaggerations, or outright false claims. Whether you're facing criminal charges or a protective order, our team is committed to providing aggressive and personalized legal representation. If you or someone you know is under investigation or facing charges for stalking or harassment, contact us immediately for a consultation.
What Are Stalking and Harassment?
Harassment and stalking are criminal offenses in Texas, but they are not always clearly understood or recognized. Both charges involve a pattern of conduct intended to cause emotional distress or fear. However, the level of severity and the corresponding penalties differ:
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Harassment occurs when someone intentionally engages in conduct that causes another person emotional distress, fear, or embarrassment. This behavior can take many forms, such as unwanted phone calls, text messages, emails, or social media posts. In Texas, harassment is a Class B misdemeanor, which can carry penalties of up to 180 days in jail and fines of up to $2,000.
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Stalking, on the other hand, is a more serious offense. Stalking involves a repeated pattern of threatening or alarming behavior that causes the victim to fear for their safety. This could include following someone, sending repeated unwanted messages, or showing up at their home or workplace uninvited. In Texas, stalking is classified as a third-degree felony, which carries a penalty of 2-10 years in prison.
Whether the charges are for harassment or stalking, the potential consequences are serious. Even a misdemeanor charge can have significant consequences on your record, while a felony conviction can alter your life permanently.
Consequences of Stalking and Harassment Charges
In Texas, being accused of stalking or harassment can lead to more than just criminal penalties. Here's what you might face:
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Protective Orders (TPOs): A temporary protective order (TPO) can be issued against you even before a hearing takes place. This could prevent you from contacting the victim or visiting certain places (such as your home, workplace, or children's school). If a protective order is issued in the midst of a divorce or custody battle, it could also affect custody or property division decisions.
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Criminal Charges on Your Record: If convicted of harassment or stalking, the charges will appear on your criminal record, affecting employment opportunities, professional licensing, and possibly even your right to own or carry a firearm. Employers and background checks may view you as a risk, making it harder to secure jobs or housing in the future.
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Violation of a Protective Order: Violating a protective order can result in additional criminal charges, which could further complicate your legal situation.
Given the serious implications of stalking and harassment charges, it's essential to mount a strong defense. If you are wrongly accused, having a criminal defense attorney on your side can help ensure that the truth comes to light.
False Allegations of Stalking and Harassment
Unfortunately, false allegations of stalking or harassment are not uncommon. Accusations may arise during a divorce, a custody dispute, or other personal conflicts. In these situations, someone may fabricate or exaggerate events to gain an advantage in family court or to damage your reputation.
Many people falsely accuse others of stalking or harassment as a way to retaliate, control the outcome of legal proceedings, or simply get revenge. Text messages or social media posts can easily be taken out of context, and a single encounter can be blown out of proportion. Joey Tellez is committed to fighting false allegations and ensuring that your side of the story is heard in court.
Defense Strategies for Stalking and Harassment Cases
An experienced attorney can develop several defense strategies to contest charges of stalking or harassment. Here are a few ways Joey Tellez can help:
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False Allegations: If the accusations against you are unfounded or exaggerated, Joey will investigate the matter thoroughly. He may look into the victim's motives and gather evidence such as witness statements, phone records, and other documentation that may show the allegations are false or unsubstantiated.
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First Amendment Rights: In some cases, behavior that may seem intrusive or annoying could fall under your First Amendment rights. Joey will carefully examine the circumstances and determine if the alleged conduct could be defended as free speech or legitimate communication.
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No Threatening Behavior: If the conduct in question was not threatening or did not cause the victim to fear for their safety, Joey will argue that the elements required for a stalking or harassment conviction have not been met.
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Lack of Intent: Harassment and stalking charges require proof that the defendant acted with the intent to cause distress. If your actions were unintentional or misunderstood, Joey will use that to challenge the case against you.
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Violation of Rights: If evidence was obtained through unlawful means, such as without a proper warrant, Joey will file motions to suppress that evidence. This could weaken the prosecution's case and potentially lead to a dismissal.
Why Hire Joey Tellez as Your Defense Lawyer?
When facing charges of stalking or harassment, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer is crucial. Here's how Joey Tellez can help:
- In-Depth Investigation: Joey will launch a thorough investigation into the facts of your case, including reviewing communications, witness statements, and any other evidence that may support your defense.
- Experienced Legal Representation: With a background in Texas criminal law, Joey understands how prosecutors approach stalking and harassment cases and will use that knowledge to your advantage.
- Personalized Client Care: Joey personally handles every case, ensuring that you receive the attention and support you deserve throughout the legal process. He is committed to providing timely communication and being available when you need him most.
Contact Joey Tellez for Stalking and Harassment Defense
If you've been accused of stalking or harassment in Laredo or surrounding areas, don't risk your future by attempting to handle the situation on your own. Contact Joey Tellez, a trusted criminal defense lawyer, to protect your rights and help you navigate the complexities of the Texas legal system.
Call 956-717-8200 today for a confidential consultation. Joey will review your case, explain your options, and work with you to develop a strong defense strategy.