Stalking And Harassment
W. Va. Code § 61-2-9a — a course of conduct meant to cause fear or distress, and a felony on a second conviction
Stalking is a course of conduct, two or more acts, directed at someone with intent to make them fear for their safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress. It is a misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $1,000, jail of not more than six months, or both.
Harassment, a willful course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person mental injury or emotional distress with no lawful purpose, or repeated credible threats, carries the same penalty.
Higher with an order in place. Doing it in violation of a court order is jail of not less than 90 days nor more than one year or a fine of $2,000 to $5,000. A second conviction, or stalking someone protected by a served protective order, is a felony of one to five years or a fine of $3,000 to $10,000.
On conviction, the court may order no contact with the victim for up to 10 years. A particular charge is a question for a licensed West Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- W. Va. Code § 61-2-9a — Stalking, harassment; penalties; definitions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed West Virginia attorney.