Stalking Victim Attorney in Orange County, CA
Being the victim of a stalker can be a frightening experience. Victims of stalking often feel pressured to downplay their stalker’s behaviors, but stalking is a real threat that must be taken seriously. An Orange County stalking victim lawyer can review your case, advocate for you within the criminal justice system, and make sure your claims are taken seriously.
What Is Stalking?
In California, a stalker is defined as someone who purposefully follows or threatens another person repeatedly with malicious intent. The act of stalking can make victims feel threatened and fear for their safety or the safety of their friends or family.
Recently, the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center reported that approximately 13.5 million people are stalked in the nation every year. Stalking victimization reports show that the majority of stalking victims are women (1 in 3), and 50% of stalking victims are under 25 years old. Stalkers use many different tactics, including:
- Making unwanted phone calls or sending unwanted text messages, photos, emails, or messages through social media
- Approaching the victim or showing up when the victim does not want them around
- Keeping watch and following the victim
- Sending unwanted gifts
- Using technology such as AirTags to monitor, track, and/or spy on the victim
Victims of stalking are often overlooked by authorities. It can be hard to get law enforcement to take accusations of stalking or threatening seriously, with limited proof of actual physical harm. It may also be difficult for law enforcement to stop the offender, who may be released quickly from police custody and continue to harass their victim.
California Stalking Laws and Penalties
If a perpetrator is convicted of stalking in California, they can face serious penalties, including up to a year in jail, fines up to $1,000, and a restraining order. With the assistance of a skilled Orange County stalking victim lawyer, evidence can be gathered to prove that you suffered substantial emotional distress, which could increase the penalties for your stalker.
A skilled legal team can compile a case to encourage law enforcement to prosecute your perpetrator. They can assist you in obtaining a restraining order to protect yourself and your loved ones. When the criminal justice system has failed you, your Orange County stalking victim attorney can work tirelessly to make sure your voice is heard and that you get justice for what you went through.
Why Choose The Brewer Law Firm?
The Brewer Law Firm strongly advocates for victims’ rights. Our firm works hard to make sure that our clients are heard and receive restitution for their suffering. Our team includes Mike Brewer and Rhonda Saunders, both members of the LA Stalking & Threat Assessment Team, who were involved in writing current California laws, such as Penal Code Sections 422 and 646.9.
We have handled cases for high-profile celebrities and public officials, and have a proven history of successfully helping clients gain relief from their stalkers. Our attorneys offer superior knowledge of California stalking laws and criminal threats.
We understand that law enforcement and court resources are overextended in California, especially in Orange County. We can ensure that you do not get lost in the backlog of cases that have not been solved and that you are prioritized and receive the appropriate justice you deserve.
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FAQs About Orange County, CA Stalking Victim Laws
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Attorney for Stalking or Harassment in Orange County?
The cost to hire an attorney for stalking or harassment in Orange County can vary based on the complexity of the case. A misdemeanor stalking charge will be considerably less than cases that involve felony charges, since more legal work may be required.
Legal fees also vary depending on location and the lawyer’s experience. Fees are sometimes higher for a lawyer with decades of experience compared to a newer lawyer. It is important to schedule a consultation with our team to determine a fee schedule for your case.
How Do You Win a Stalking Case in Orange County?
To win a stalking case as a victim in Orange County, it is important to hire a skilled Orange County stalking victim lawyer. Your lawyer can build a strong case by gathering evidence and advocating on your behalf to have your case heard by law enforcement and prosecuted. It is important to keep a record of all incidents of stalking and threats made by your perpetrator, as these can help build a more solid case against them.
How Can You Prove Stalking in Orange County?
You can prove stalking in Orange County by working with a stalking victim lawyer to build your case and advocate to have it heard in court. Your lawyer will need to prove that your stalker continuously and willfully followed or harassed you with malicious intent.
Keeping documentation of all contacts and threats from your stalker can help establish this claim. Witness testimony can help confirm that the stalker’s intention was to cause fear and threaten you, strengthening your case.
Can You File a Claim Against a Person for Stalking in Orange County?
Yes, you can file a claim against a person for stalking in Orange County. You can pursue criminal action to seek justice and a civil claim to seek damages for harm caused. This could include compensation for legal fees, medical care, therapy, and pain and suffering.
You can also secure a protection order to prevent the perpetrator from coming near you or contacting you. These cases can be handled at the Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange or the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.
Hire a Stalking Victim Lawyer in Orange County, CA
Here at The Brewer Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping stalking victims. We can work hard to make sure your case is heard and does not get lost in the system. Located on Jamboree Road in Newport Beach, CA, our firm represents clients in Orange County and throughout California. Contact us today so that our legal team can go to work immediately to create a safety plan for you.
