I Am Being Charged with Harassment in New York. What Does That Mean?

At O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC, our Albany criminal defense attorneys know that being charged with harassment in New York means you are accused of engaging in behavior intended to annoy, alarm, or threaten another person.

Harassment charges can carry serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record, impacting your personal and professional life. Our skilled Albany County criminal defense lawyers understand the nuances of New York harassment laws. We can help you navigate the legal process, ensuring your story is heard.

What are the Most Common Harassment Charges in New York?

Someone might accuse another of harassment because they genuinely feel threatened, annoyed, or distressed by the other person’s behavior.

These actions can take various forms, including:

• Physical Contact or Threats: Unwanted physical contact, such as pushing, shoving, or hitting, as well as threatening to cause bodily harm, are common forms of harassment.
• Repeated Communication: Persistently contacting someone through phone calls, text messages, emails, or social media in a way that is unwanted and causes distress can constitute harassment. This includes sending threatening or abusive messages.
• Following or Stalking: Repeatedly following someone in public or showing up at their home, workplace, or other locations without a legitimate reason can be considered harassment, mainly if it causes the victim to feel threatened or alarmed.
• Verbal Abuse: Using offensive, threatening, or obscene language directed at someone in a manner intended to provoke a reaction or cause distress is a common form of harassment.
• Intimidation: Harassment can also include behavior meant to intimidate or coerce someone into doing something against their will, such as threatening to reveal personal information.
• Cyber Harassment: Using the internet or other electronic means to harass someone, such as through social media, forums, or email, is increasingly common. This can include cyberstalking, online threats, or the distribution of private information.

Depending on the severity and impact of the behavior, these forms of harassment can lead to criminal charges in New York. Having an experienced Albany criminal defense attorney by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Are There Different Degrees of Harassment Charges in New York?

Harassment charges can vary in severity depending on the specific actions alleged.

In New York, harassment is typically classified into two degrees:

• Harassment in the Second Degree (New York Penal Law § 240.26): This is a violation, not a criminal offense, and generally involves actions like physical contact, following someone in public, or engaging in a course of conduct that seriously annoys or alarms another person. If convicted, you could face penalties such as fines, community service, or up to 15 days in jail.
• Harassment in the First Degree (New York Penal Law § 240.25): This is a more severe charge, classified as a Class B misdemeanor. It involves repeatedly harassing someone over time, mainly if the behavior includes threats or physical harm. A conviction could result in a fine and up to 90 days in jail.

The specifics of your case will depend on the nature of the alleged harassment. It’s essential to consult with a criminal defense attorney who can help you understand the charges and build a robust defense strategy. We can help.

Contact Our Albany Criminal Defense Attorneys Today

Contact O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC today by calling (518)-391-2369 or online to ensure your rights are protected. We have a strong track record of producing real results for our clients. Allow us to pursue the best outcome for your case, too.