Criminal Harassment

Stalking is Criminal Harassment

Many activities can constitute Criminal Harassment.  It can involve following a person from place to place, or where they know the person will be.  It can involve repeatedly communicating with a person, directly or indirectly.  It can involve watching a person’s home, work, or otherwise is known to be.  It also can involve threatening conducted at a person or a member of their family.

Criminal Harassment does not require a pattern of behaviour and can involve only one incident.  However, most frequently, Criminal Harassment charges arise when the complainant feels threatened or intimidated by the behaviour of being watched or contacted, after explicitly requesting that the behaviour stop.  This can involve repeated contact via phone, computer programs (Facebook, Messenger, Instagram), text, or appearance at a person’s home or work.  This contact can be indirect through mutual friends, or other family members.  Sometime these charges arise out of the breakdown of a relationship and are addressed in the domestic context, much like Domestic Assault.

Charged with Criminal Harassment?

When arrested by police, you do not have to answer their questions.  In fact, you have a right not to talk to police, and you should abide by that right.  Do not engage in conversation with the police.  You also have the right to speak to a lawyer and should do so upon arrest.  Retain any communications that you have recorded (phone, computer based conversations, etc) and provide them to your lawyer.  Do not provide your phone or computer to police unless served with a warrant.  If it is necessary that these conversations should be shared, your lawyer can do, so when appropriate through the Crown or the court.  You may qualify for Legal Aid:  See Legal Aid Ontario Information.

Criminal Defence Lawyers

I am here to help you through the process of being charged with Criminal Harassment.  I understand that being charged can be scary, but it is my job is to make the process easier for you - to review your case in relation to the charge(s) you are facing - address the court when, and as necessary – deal with the Crown Attorney for your matter –and give you the best defence at trial, or plea resolution possible.  Criminal Harassment is a serious charge, make sure you have a lawyer that understands the law and is prepared to act for you.