Harassment And Stalking
G.L. c. 265, § 43A — a pattern of conduct that seriously alarms, and a threat makes it stalking
In Massachusetts, criminal harassment is willfully and maliciously engaging in a knowing pattern of conduct or series of acts over time, directed at a specific person, that seriously alarms that person and would cause a reasonable person substantial emotional distress. It includes conduct by mail, phone, email, internet or other electronic means, and is punished by up to two and one-half years in a house of correction, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Add a threat, and it is stalking. The same kind of pattern, together with a threat made to put the person in imminent fear of death or bodily injury, is stalking, punished by up to 5 years in state prison, or up to two and one-half years in a house of correction, or a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Sources for this section (2)
- G.L. c. 265, § 43A — Criminal harassment
- G.L. c. 265, § 43 — Stalking
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.