How to Stop a Stalker

We represent those who are charged with stalking crimes. The following is provided as reference for those who are being legitimately stalked. In many cases, those charged with the crime of stalking, have been charged wrongly. Many times, the “victim” brings these charges for the purposes of revenge or retaliation against a former partner.

We have discussed the crime of stalking previously outlining the penalties for breaking Nevada’s stalking law (NRS 200.575). The Defenders is mindful of the potentially malicious nature of this crime but will provide a strong defense for clients we represent that ensures the law is followed fairly and equitably.

The following is provided for those who have been victimized by the crime of stalking.

Stalking Defined

Nevada law defines stalking as:

“A person who, without lawful authority, willfully or maliciously engages in a course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, harassed or fearful for the immediate safety of a family or household member, and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, harassed or fearful for the immediate safety of a family or household member, commits the crime of stalking. (NRS 200.575)”

Examples of stalking behavior can include: following an individual; showing up unexpectedly at home, work or school where a victim can be expected to be; repeatedly calling an individual; repeatedly emailing, texting or contacting through social media sites; sending unwanted gifts; and in some more extreme cases: monitoring whereabouts through the use of technology; searching an unattended vehicle; breaking into a victim’s residence; damage to property; threats of harm to the victim and related persons.

What to do if you are being stalked

If you are being stalked, these tips have been developed by the National Center for Victims of Crime.

1. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
2. Trust your instincts…don’t downplay the danger. If you feel unsafe, you probably are.
3. Take threats seriously. Danger is generally higher when the stalker talks about suicide or murder, or when a victim tries to leave or end the relationship.
4. Contact a crisis hotline, victim services agency, or a domestic violence or rape crisis center. They can help you devise a safety plan, give you information about local laws, refer you to other services, and weigh options such as seeking a protection order.
5. Develop a safety plan, including things like changing your routine, arranging a place to stay, and having a friend or relative go places with you. Also, decide in advance what to do if the stalker shows up at your home, work, school, or somewhere else. Tell people how they can help you.
6. Don’t communicate with the stalker or respond to attempts to contact you.
7. Keep evidence of the stalking. When the stalker follows you or contacts you, write down the time, date and place. Keep e-mails, phone messages, letters or notes. Photograph anything of yours the stalker damages and any injuries the stalker causes. Ask witnesses to write down what they saw.
8. Contact the police. The stalker may also have broken other laws by doing things like trespassing, assaulting you, or stealing or destroying your property.
9. Consider getting a court order that tells the stalker to stay away from you.
10. Tell family, friends, roommates, and co-workers about the stalking and seek their support. Tell security staff at your job or school. Ask them to watch out for your safety.

Make yourself aware of resources available to you to protect yourself. In Las Vegas, the following list represents some of the local resources available:

Child Abuse Hotline	702-399-0081
SafeNest Domestic Violence Hotline	702-646-4981
SafeHouse Hotline	702-564-3227
Harassment/Stalking Orders (obtained through Justice Court)	702-671-3165
Sheriff’s Civil Office	702-455-5400
LVMPD Domestic Violence Unit	702-828-4451
Family Violence Intervention Program (for Domestic Violence Protection Orders)	702-455-3400

The Defenders can represent you if you have been wrongly charged with a stalking crime

If you are convicted of stalking in Nevada, you face harsh penalties which quickly increase based on a number of factors such as the number of convictions for this crime; whether the internet was used in the stalking behavior; whether a Temporary or Extended Protective Order was in place; and whether a death threat or threat of bodily harm was involved. If you’ve been wrongly charged with a stalking crime, call our office today to discuss you case at (702) 333-3333.

Learn More:

https://www.protectamerica.com/reclaiming-your-space

https://www.stalkingriskprofile.com/victim-support/general-advice-for-victims