Walk It Through: The Messages That Will Not Stop
Calls in the middle of the night, a former partner appearing outside work, and photos shared to embarrass.
A former partner calls night after night at extremely inconvenient hours.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A former partner who calls, follows and posts. A protective order, which has its own page, threats of violence, and a minor victim are left out.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Class A misdemeanorThe more serious misdemeanor class, with up to one year in jail and a fine up to $25,000.
- Course of conductRepeated acts of nonconsensual contact with the victim or a family member, the pattern stalking requires.
- Household memberIncludes current and former spouses, and adults or minors who live or have lived together, the relationships that make a crime one involving domestic violence.
- Nonconsensual contactContact started or continued without consent, beyond what was agreed to, or against a stated wish that it stop, including following or appearing within sight.
- Physical injuryPhysical pain or an impairment of physical condition.
- Private exposureBeing exposed where and when a person reasonably believed they would not be seen or pictured, which viewing or picturing is a crime.