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Dallas Stalking and Aggravated Stalking Defense Attorney

Get a former prosecutor on your side

Attorney RJ HarberLaw enforcement and the courts in Texas take stalking accusations very seriously. Stalking is a felony in Texas, and a conviction can completely overturn your life and destroy your reputation. Even a mere accusation from a former partner, co-worker, or acquaintance can impact the way others view you.. Such a serious accusation demands a serious defense, and right away.

If you have been charged with stalking in Dallas or Tarrant County, Dallas stalking defense attorney RJ Harber is here to help. As a former Tarrant County prosecutor-turned-defense attorney serving the DFW area, RJ Harber has experienced the criminal justice system from both sides, and he knows the tricks and arguments prosecutors use to secure a conviction. He will fight tirelessly to defend you against the charges you’re facing and to lower your chance of a conviction or to minimize your penalty.

If you have been accused of stalking, time is limited to mount your defense. Contact the Law Offices of RJ Harber today at (214) 389-1189 to schedule a confidential consultation. We want to hear your side of the story, and we’re here to fight for you.

Stalking Laws in Texas

If you are facing stalking charges in Dallas or Tarrant County, you have been charged with a serious crime. Some states differentiate between stalking and ‘aggravated stalking,’ classifying the first as a misdemeanor and the second as a felony. Texas is not one of those states. In Texas, any form of stalking is considered a felony. Under Texas Law, a person has committed stalking if they have behaved in such a way that:

  • Constitutes harassment, or that they reasonably know the  victim will regard as threatening,
  • Causes the victim to reasonably fear for their safety or their property, or that of their family, or to feel harassed, and
  • Would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or property, or that of their family, or to feel harassed.

A prosecutor must prove all three of these points in order to convict a defendant of stalking. Under this definition, stalking can take a number of forms and can happen in person or even electronically.

Stalking is considered a third-degree felony for a first offense, or a second-degree felony for a second or subsequent offenses.

Penalties for Stalking in Dallas

A conviction for stalking in Dallas or Tarrant County comes with a hefty cost. Remember that these are felony charges. Even the minimum penalties could destroy your life as you know it for years to come. Since stalking is a third-degree felony for a first offense and a second-degree felony for each subsequent offense, the penalties increase from a first to second conviction. Here are the penalties for stalking under Texas law:

  • First offense (third-degree felony): 2-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
  • Second or subsequent offense (second-degree felony): 2-20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000

Incarceration, hefty fines, and a conviction on your permanent record can be devastating in both the short and long term. That’s why it is crucial that you defend yourself against these allegations at all costs. Fortunately, hope is not lost. A mere accusation of a crime like stalking does not guarantee a conviction. That’s why it is so critical that you hire an experienced attorney to help defend you. The sooner you hire an attorney, the stronger your defense will be, and you may be able to avoid penalties like those listed above.

Why You Need a Lawyer

The State of Texas has an incredible amount of resources at its disposal. If prosecutors are willing to use those resources on you, it is because they think they can get a conviction. They will dig up any kind of evidence they can find. They will interview anyone they might find helpful, including people who may have it out for you. They may even track down records of your comings and goings. The average person is not prepared to face these tactics, much less fight back with a well-planned defense of their own.

That’s why you need an experienced defense attorney if you’ve been charged with stalking. As a former Tarrant County prosecutor, RJ Harber has the experience needed to fight fire with fire by:

  • Interviewing police, witnesses, and other parties to expose holes in the prosecutors’ story
  • Fighting to have any evidence against you that was illegally obtained thrown out
  • Conducting a thorough investigation before the trial
  • Getting help from private investigators, polygraphists, and other experts
  • Getting expert testimony on your behalf for the trial
  • Negotiating with prosecutors

Defending against charges of stalking or any other crime is a complicated process that takes training and knowledge to do well. The sooner you get in touch with an experienced stalking defense attorney, the more effective your defense can be, and the better chance you have of escaping the charges or coming away with a lower penalty. So don’t hesitate. If you have been charged with stalking in Dallas or Tarrant County, get in touch with a Dallas stalking defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact Us for A Free Consultation

Stalking charges are a serious threat to your life, finances, and reputation. As soon as you have been charged with stalking in Dallas or Tarrant County, it is absolutely urgent that you get help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. Dallas stalking defense attorney RJ Harber has years of experience fighting for the rights of criminal defendants, and a knowledge of the criminal justice system and prosecution for stalking that can only come from formerly working as a prosecutor. He will work tirelessly to build a solid defense and minimize your chance of conviction or the penalties you will face. For more information, call the Law Offices of RJ Harber now at (214) 389-1189.