PL 240.26 · Article 240
Harassment in the Second Degree
Harassment in the second degree covers striking, shoving or threatening physical contact, following someone in a public place, or a course of conduct that alarms or seriously annoys another person with no legitimate purpose.
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Text us immediately · (845) 290-2492What the prosecutor must prove
- You intended to harass, annoy or alarm another person.
- You made physical contact or threatened it, followed the person in a public place, or engaged in a course of conduct serving no legitimate purpose.
Defenses that commonly apply
- The conduct had a legitimate purpose.
- There was no intent to harass, annoy or alarm.
- The encounter is described inaccurately.
Penalties and collateral consequences
A Violation carries a maximum sentence of up to 15 days and a fine of up to Up to $250.
Frequently charged alongside a domestic dispute. Even a violation can support an order of protection, so the long-term consequences can outweigh the 15-day maximum.
Every case turns on its own facts. The information on this page is general, not legal advice.
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