What can I do about a stalker?
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What can I do about a stalker?
A man who lives in another state and whom I don’t know has threatened me multiple times and is using my first name in his business activity. He has called my house by getting my name from the owner of the website. He has been attacking me in various ways through the website like interfering with my communications in police related matters, asking me to meet him at places, etc. I don’t have money but wanted to know what action can be taken to to resolve this because its been effecting my life.
Asked on September 6, 2010 under Criminal Law, New Jersey
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Stalking is a crime in NJ and taken quite seriously. In order for an individual to be guilty of stalking, his conduct must be such that a reasonable person in the "victims" shoes would be imminently threatened. You can find the stalking and related laws (harassment; terroristic threats) at this site: http://www.aardvarc.org/stalking/states/njst.shtml. It lists the requirements of the crime. It should be noted that stalking generally it is a Fourth Degree Offense (but can be enhanced to a Third Degree Crime if certain circumstances exist). A Fourth Degree stalking indictment involves jail exposure of up to 18 months whereas a Third Degree stalking indictment involves up to 5 years in jail. Both involve up to a $7,500 fine and more importantly, in either case, jail is clearly a real possibility.
The first thing that you now need to do is to file a police report. The police can then tell you what to do from there.
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