What To Know About Harassment & Restraining Orders
Harassment is a crime that can happen to anyone, and the law recognizes the issue. A harassment order of protection in Minnesota, while not the same as a domestic violence protection order, seeks to give a legal remedy to someone who is being harassed. Here is all that you need to know regarding harassment and restraining orders: Harassment Restraining Order Attorneys Minneapolis MN
How Is Harassment Defined By the Law?
Harassment occurs in Minnesota when someone knowingly engages in acts or behaviors that have a negative impact on the person who is the target of those acts or behaviors. According to the law, harassment occurs when the offender intentionally causes the victim to feel a certain way, such as:
Threatened
Intimidated
Frightened
Prosecuted
Oppressed
Prosecutors are not required to demonstrate that the defendant intended to make someone feel one of the aforementioned emotions. And it’s possible that someone may be found guilty of harassment even if they do something to another person that is misinterpreted as being threatening or intimidating. However, one must knowingly engage in harassment-like behavior for it to be considered harassment.
What Are the Penalties for Harassment in Minnesota?
Harassment is a gross misdemeanor offense that is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and also a $3,000 fine. However, in some cases, it can be considered to be aggravated, in which case the consequences can be quite severe: up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Aggravating factors for harassment charges can include (but are not limited to):
Religious, sex, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or national origin discrimination
Use of a lethal weapon
Using harassment to try and influence court processes
If you are convicted of harassment within 10 years of being convicted of a domestic assault charge, or if you have more than two domestic assault convictions, you can face up to 10 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
Harassment Restraining Order Attorneys Minneapolis MN
Harassment Restraining Order Attorneys Minneapolis MN
Harassment Restraining Order Attorneys Minneapolis MN
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Lauren Campoli is a locally loved and nationally ranked criminal defense lawyer. She is passionate about her work and dedicated to getting results. Get in touch now to discuss your best options with both our Minneapolis criminal defense attorneys and our Edina criminal defense lawyers at each of our local MN offices.
