Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer: Stalking Arrest

Serving Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bethesda and all of Maryland

Victims of stalking and harassment undoubtedly feel anxious, frightened, and nervous about doing activities the rest of us take for granted. When you have been subjected to ongoing threats and harassment, whether online or in person, even ordinary things like taking a walk or running to the grocery store take on a menacing quality.

For these crime victims, the law sometimes doesn’t do enough to offer much-needed protection. Tragically, the news is filled with stories of people killed despite having a restraining order in place against their stalker or abuser.

As an experienced criminal defense lawyer with nearly 30 years of experience, I know firsthand that this isn’t the complete picture when it comes to stalking and related offenses. Time and again, I have seen people wrongfully accused of stalking someone. My heart goes out to them, as it is an incredibly frustrating experience.

Help for Those Accused of Stalking

There is another side of stalking and harassment most people never see. Every day, people throughout Maryland and across the country are unjustly accused of engaging in threatening and harassing behavior. Courts are aware of the statistics surrounding domestic violence and harassment, and they are sometimes too quick to believe an accuser.

This can lead some judges to grant protective and peace orders that are unfounded. In other cases, prosecutors aggressively pursue stalking and harassment cases based on little more than one person’s word against another.

At the Law Office of Leon Geller, we believe that everyone is entitled to equal protection under the law. It’s what the constitution promises, and we firmly believe it’s something more than just a goal to aspire to – it’s a fundamental right. If you have been accused of stalking or harassing someone, we can help you defend your rights so you can put your case behind you and move on with your life.

Stalking Is a Serious Crime in Maryland

Besides the social consequences, you may also face very real and very serious criminal penalties. In Maryland, a conviction for stalking can mean up to five years in prison and a fine in the thousands of dollars.

If you’re facing a stalking charge, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re up against. To prove someone is guilty of stalking, Maryland prosecutors must show beyond a reasonable doubt that you engaged in a persistent pattern of activity that placed someone in reasonable fear or physical harm.

Harassment in Maryland

You may also be charged with a similar crime known as harassment. Like many other types of criminal charges, harassment is rooted in common law. Under the Maryland criminal code, however, it has a very specific definition.

To be found guilty of harassment, the prosecutor must show beyond a reasonable doubt that you repeatedly and persistently followed someone in public or repeatedly acted in a way designed to annoy or alarm another person.

Call a Rockville Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

At the Law Office of Leon Geller, we serve clients in Rockville and the surrounding communities. If you are involved in stalking and/or harassment, we want to help you prevent this type of behavior in the future.

If appropriate, we will work with you to refer you to a mental health practitioner. We offer compassionate legal counsel and experienced guidance in all types of criminal matters.  If you live or work near Rockville, Derwood, North Potomac, Darnestown, North Bethesda, Garrett Park, Kensington, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, and Wheaton, Contact the office today at 301-309-8001 to speak to Maryland stalking attorney 24/7 about your case.