Walk It Through: The Ex Who Keeps Texting
Messages at all hours, a car outside the house, a tracker on the bumper, and a petition.
After a breakup, an ex sends dozens of texts a night meant to frighten, though asked to stop.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
Harassment by a former partner. Online posts by strangers, threats at work, and a criminal no contact order are not worked through here.
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.
- Aggravated misdemeanorThe highest level of misdemeanor, with up to two years and a fine of $855 to $8,540 where no specific penalty is given.
- Serious misdemeanorThe middle level of misdemeanor, with a fine of $430 to $2,560 and up to one year in jail.
- Simple misdemeanorThe lowest level of public offense, carrying a fine of $105 to $855, with up to 30 days in jail in place of or beside the fine.
- Class D felonyThe lowest class of felony, with up to five years and a fine of $1,025 to $10,245; a felony declared without a class is a class D felony.
- Course of conductIn stalking, repeatedly staying near a person without legitimate purpose, repeatedly using a device to locate, listen to or watch the person, or repeatedly conveying threats.