Stalking Laws
Stalking is a Federal crime under the Violence Against Women Act
Each state has established its own law, causing the definition, requirements to prove the crime, and any resulting penalties to vary. To see a compilation of state laws, click here.
In all instances, stalking is a crime punishable by law.
Definitions
Misdemeanor Offense
A Misdemeanor Offense is regarded as a less serious than a felony offense and typically carries lighter penalties such as less time in jail, community service, fines, rehabilitation, probation, or a combination thereof.
Felony Offense
A Felony Offense is regarded as a serious offense and comes with at least one year in prison in addition to other penalties as determined by the court. With a Felony Offense, the perpetrators rights can be limited, such as their right to vote and hold public office, purchase or possess a firearm, and may impact their ability to be employed in certain professions.
-
States that indicate stalking is neither a misdemeanor nor a felony offense is still punishable by law but is not classified as either.
-
States that indicate stalking is a misdemeanor offense means one or more offense of stalking is classified as a misdemeanor offense. Depending on the charge of stalking, it can also be a Felony in some states.
-
States that indicate stalking is a felony offense means all stalking charges are graded as a felony.
See Your State Law
-
States in blue indicate stalking is neither a Misdemeanor nor a Felony offense.
-
States in black indicate stalking is a Misdemeanor offense.
-
States in red indicate stalking is a Felony offense.