Under Florida law, stalking is communicating or physically following someone for no legitimate reason, in a way that causes emotional distress. Stalking includes harassment in person, over the Internet, over the telephone or anywhere else where the victim can be reached. In fact, cyberstalking is explicitly prohibited under Florida law. The law is vague about the difference between mere persistence and genuine harassing and stalking behavior; it may ultimately be up to the judgment of law enforcement officers. A good Fort Lauderdale stalking criminal defense attorney can clear up cases that are simply misunderstandings or "he said, she said" situations.

A conviction for stalking carries punishments from probation to up to five years in state prison, depending on the circumstances. A defendant may be charged with aggravated stalking if he or she makes a credible threat of violence, violates a restraining order or other court order, repeats the offense or stalks a minor under 16. If you are accused of any of these, you face possible prison time; you should get help from a Miami stalking criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Based in Miami, David S. Seltzer is an experienced South Florida stalking criminal defense attorney. Don't delay; let an experienced former prosecutor help protect your good name and reputation. Call today, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, or contact me online for a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION.

For more information, see Florida Statute 784.048: Stalking.