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Misdemeanor Stalking

Stalking is a relatively new criminal category. Rather than a single criminal act, stalking is a pattern of malicious behavior directed at a person. This can include repeatedly visiting someone’s house or calling their phone to intimidate them or cause them to fear for their safety. This is a very serious crime and carries significant jail time. Learn more about misdemeanor stalking with MRD Lawyers.

STALKING – MISDEMEANOR STATUTE

565.227. Stalking, second degree, penalty

Citation: MO Rev Stat § 565.227 (2018)

  1. A person commits the offense of stalking in the second degree if he or she purposely, through his or her course of conduct, disturbs, or follows with the intent to disturb another person.
  2. This section shall not apply to activities of federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement officers conducting investigations of any violation of federal, state, county, or municipal law.
  3. Any law enforcement officer may arrest, without a warrant, any person he or she has probable cause to believe has violated the provisions of this section.
  4. The offense of stalking in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor, unless the defendant has previously been found guilty of a violation of this section or section 565.225, or of any offense committed in another jurisdiction which, if committed in this state, would be chargeable or indictable as a violation of any offense listed in this section or section 565.225, or unless the victim is intentionally targeted as a law enforcement officer, as defined in section 556.061, or the victim is targeted because he or she is a relative within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to a law enforcement officer, in which case stalking in the second degree is a class E felony.

PENALTY OF CONVICTION

A misdemeanor stalking conviction is classified as a class A misdemeanor. This carries up to one year in jail or a fine up to $2,000, or both. If the victim is related to a law enforcement officer it is upgraded to a class E felony with a penalty of up to four years in jail. Suffice to say these are very serious penalties and can cost you a significant fine, fees, and the loss of your freedom. If you or someone you know face a stalking charge, it is imperative that you contact a trusted defense team like MRD Lawyers to defend your rights.