New York City Harassment Defense Lawyer
New York law makes a distinction between acts that are rude or obnoxious but not illegal, and illegal acts of harassment. To qualify as harassment, a person must act with the intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person. Harassment charges are often related to a hostile break-down in a relationship, but can also stem from an incident between strangers.
Our team at JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC., has deep experience and a track record of success in defending clients accused of harassment. Our lead attorney, Joey Jackson, is nationally recognized and has over 25 years of experience in the practice of criminal law in New York City. You can count us to provide the sound legal advice and aggressive defense you need to prevail in your case.
Is Harassment A Minor Or Serious Crime In New York City?
New York penal law defines four levels of harassment, all of which require an intent to harass, annoy or alarm another person.
Even a misdemeanor harassment conviction can result in jail time or restrictive probation conditions, and it will leave you with a criminal record that will show up on background checks.
JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC., will provide the legal guidance you need to deal with any of these charges:
- Harassment in the second degree occurs when you make physical contact with another person or when you attempt or threaten to do so; this includes acts such as striking, shoving and kicking. It also occurs if you engage in certain other minor acts which may be alarming but do not generate serious fear of harm. This is only a violation, which does not go on your criminal record.
- Harassment in the first degree occurs when you commit multiple acts of harassment that place another person in reasonable fear of physical injury. This is a class B misdemeanor.
- Aggravated harassment in the second degree occurs when you communicate a specific threat of harm to another person via telephone, mail, electronic or other means, knowing that this will cause the other person to reasonably fear that the threat will be carried out; or when a physical altercation is motivated by race, religion, or the like; or when a physical altercation results in injury. This is a class A misdemeanor.
- Aggravated harassment in the first degree occurs if you damage religious premises, set a cross on fire, or deface property with Nazi symbols or noose images. This is a class E felony.
When does harassment become a crime? Making a few late-night hang-up calls is just rude. Calls or text messages full of angry and offensive statements could lead to a charge of second degree harassment. Serious threats that the victim reasonably believes would be carried out could result in a charge of aggravated harassment in the second degree.
The Difference Between Harassment, Stalking, And Assault In New York
Harassment charges typically result from a single incident, while stalking charges require a pattern of conduct occurring over a period of time. Harassment may involve some physical contact with the victim, such as a shove, slap or kick, but it falls short of the more serious charge of assault, which requires actual injury to another person resulting from recklessness, criminal negligence, or intent to cause physical injury.
Have You Been Accused Of Harassing or Threatening Acts? Contact Us Right Away.
Whatever the charges against you, JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC., will investigate the specific circumstances of your case and work to get those charges reduced or even dismissed. With our exceptional skill and dedication, we will build the strongest possible case in your defense. Contact our Manhattan office at 833-563-9522.