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Stalking or Cyberstalking

To prove the crime of stalking, the prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office in Broward County must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

  • The defendant acted willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly; and
  • The defendant followed, harassed, or cyberstalked the victim.

Attorney for Stalking Crimes in Fort Lauderdale, FL

If you were charged with stalking under Florida Statute § 784.048(2), then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL, at Meltzer & Bell.

Our stalking defense attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can help you understand the charges pending against you, the potential punishments, the best defenses, and effective ways to aggressively fight the case.

Call (954) 765-6585 today.


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Definitions for Florida’s Stalking Statute – § 784.048(2)

Under § 784.048(1)(a), Fla. Stat., the term “harass” is defined to mean engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person which causes substantial emotional distress to that person and serves no legitimate purpose.

The definition of “cyberstalk” is defined to mean:

  • engaging in a course of conduct to communicate, or to cause to be communicated;
  • words, images, or language;
  • by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication;
  • directed at a specific person;
  • causing substantial emotional distress to that person; and
  • serving no legitimate purpose.

Under § 784.048(1)(b), Fla. Stat., the term “course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, which evidences a continuity of purpose. The term does not include constitutionally protected activity such as picketing or other organized protests.  


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Other Types of Stalking Charges in Florida

In Florida, stalking crimes can be charged in any of the following ways:

  • Stalking § 784.048(2), Fla. Stat.
  • Aggravated Stalking § 784.048(3), Fla. Stat.
    • Aggravated Stalking after Injunction Entered – § 784.048(4)
    • Aggravated Stalking of a Victim under 16 years of age – § 784.048(5)
    • Aggravated Stalking of a defendant previously sentenced for a sex offense and was prohibited from contacting victim – § 784.048(7)
    • Aggravated Stalking of a victim under 16 years of age – § 784.048(5)

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Finding Lawyers for Stalking Crimes in Broward County, FL

The stalking defense attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, FL, at Meltzer & Bell represent clients charged with stalking, aggravated stalking, violation of a civil stalking injunction.

Our criminal defense attorneys also represent respondents after the are served with an injunction for protection from stalking in Broward County, FL. We understand the best ways to fight allegations that arise in families or between intimate partners.

We represent clients throughout Broward County, including allegations in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Deerfield Beach, or Plantation, FL. If you are charged with any type of crime for stalking or cyberstalking, then let us put our experience to work for you. Call (954) 765-6585.

This article was last updated on Friday, November 11, 2017.

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