engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which serve no legitimate purpose;

by Prof. Barton Little 7 min read

engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits actswhich alarm or seriously annoy such other person andwhich serve no legitimate purpose. [NO LEGITIMATEPURPOSE means the absence of expression of ideas orthoughts other than threats and/or intimidating or coerciveconduct.1]

2709 Harassment
engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which alarm or seriously annoy such other person and which serve no legitimate purpose.
Mar 23, 2022

Full Answer

What does course of conduct with no legitimate purpose mean?

Course of conduct means repeatedly maintaining a visual or physical proximity to a person without legitimate purpose or repeatedly conveying oral or written threats, threats implied by conduct, or a combination thereof, directed at or toward a person. Sample 1.

What happens when you get charged with harassment in PA?

If you are charged with Harassment as a Misdemeanor of the 3rd Degree, your case will be subject to the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure for court cases. The maximum penalty for Harassment charge as an M3 is 1 year incarceration and a $2500.00 fine. Again, do not be alarmed by the jail time.

What qualifies as a harassment charge in PA?

What Constitutes Harassment in Pennsylvania? Harassment is any unwanted action done repeatedly, with a clear intent to annoy, alarm, or frighten a specific person.

What qualifies as a harassment charge in NY?

A person is guilty of harassment in the first degree when he or she intentionally and repeatedly harasses another person by following such person in or about a public place or places or by engaging in a course of conduct or by repeatedly committing acts which places such person in reasonable fear of physical injury.

Is harassment a criminal offense in PA?

Harassment is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania found in the statutory code at 18 Pa. C.S. § 2709. Harassment is a misdemeanor in some situations, but is often graded as a “summary offense.” A summary offense means that it is essentially on par with a traffic ticket.

Is harassment a criminal offense?

Harassment is both a criminal offence and a civil action under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. This means that someone can be prosecuted in the criminal courts if they harass you. It also means you can take action against the person in the civil courts.

What is the minimum sentence for harassment?

What sentence could I get for harassment? For the offence without violence, the basic offence of harassment, up to six months imprisonment can be imposed. This increased to 2 years if the offence is racially aggravated.

How do you defend yourself against false harassment charges?

What to Do If You're Falsely Charged or Accused of HarassmentStay calm and avoid retaliation.Review your employer's harassment policy.Do not confront the accuser.Consult your HR department.Collect your own evidence and notes.Provide your true alibi and witness accounts.Highlight your history.More items...•Sep 13, 2021

Is calling someone repeatedly harassment?

All unwanted phone calls do not come within the meaning of “harassment”. The factors that are required for an unwanted phone call to become a harassing one are as follows[iv]: Caller's intention to harass or threaten you by continually ringing the phone.Aug 1, 2020

Is verbal abuse a crime in NY?

A fragile relationship may now feel irreparable. Spousal abuse is a criminal offense in the state of New York. It can include physical violence, threats, neglect, verbal abuse and more. Those charged with domestic violence face serious penalties if convicted.

Are verbal threats a crime in NY?

A Few Exaggerated Threats Can Trigger a Criminal Charge However, often these statements can be taken out of context, especially if they escalate into a verbal or physical altercation, resulting in an arrest of one or both parties.

What is disorderly conduct in NY?

In the New York Penal Law, Disorderly conduct is set forth as follows: A person is guilty of disorderly conduct when, with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof: He engages in fighting or in violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior; or.

What is a course of conduct?

Conveys a message without intent of legitimate communication or address by oral, nonverbal, written or electronic means , including telephone, electronic mail, Internet, facsimile, telex, wireless communication or similar transmission. "Course of conduct.".

What is a pattern of actions composed of more than one act over a period of time?

A pattern of actions composed of more than one act over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of conduct. The term includes lewd, lascivious, threatening or obscene words, language, drawings, caricatures or actions, either in person or anonymously.

What is the definition of harassment?

Harassment. (a) Offense defined.--. A person commits the crime of harassment when, with intent to harass, annoy or alarm another, the person: (1) strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects the other person to physical contact, or attempts or threatens to do the same; (2) follows the other person in or about a public place or places;

What is emotional distress?

"Emotional distress.". A temporary or permanent state of mental anguish. "Family or household member.".

What is diversionary program?

As part of the diversionary program, the judicial authority may order the juvenile to participate in an educational program which includes the legal and nonlegal consequences of cyber harassment.