Stalking: Va. Code 18.2-60.3
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What is Virginia Law on Stalking?
Virginia Code 18.2-60.3 on Stalking says:Any person … who on more than one occasion engages in conduct directed at another person with the intent to place, or when he knows or reasonably should know that the conduct places that other person in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury to that other person or to that other person’s family or household member is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the person contacts or follows or attempts to contact or follow the person at whom the conduct is directed after being given actual notice that the person does not want to be contacted or followed, such actions shall be prima facie evidence that the person intended to place that other person, or reasonably should have known that the other person was placed, in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault, or bodily injury to himself or a family or household member.So, stalking is defined as any action that places the other person in reasonable fear of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury to themselves or a family member. The Commonwealth has to prove that you knew, or should have known, that the conduct would create such fear. If you have been told to stop, that is generally sufficient evidence that you knew or should have known that the conduct would create fear. Stalking is a Class 1 Misdemeanor, subject to a fine of up to $2,500 and/or up to a year in jail. A second offense within 5 years is a Class 6 Felony, punishable by up to the same $2,500 fine, and incarceration of up to 5 years.