A person charged with harassment or aggravated harassment in Arizona may be subject to significant consequences, including incarceration. Specifically, Harassment is a Class 1 Misdemeanor, unless the victim is a public officer or officer’s employee. Or, if there was an order of protection in place and the defendant has a prior domestic violence conviction against the same victim. Here, the crimes are charged as felonies.
Elements of Crimes
A.R.S. §13-2921 defines Harassment. Some examples of harassment include a person communicating by any means with another in a way that is harassing. Or, a person following or surveilling another person, or making false reports to law enforcement or DCS about the person. Importantly, whether someone is harassing another is dependent on the facts and circumstances of each scenario.
Moreover, Harassment is a Class 6 Felony if certain factors are present. Specifically, A.R.S. §13-2921.01 defines Harassment which requires an order of protection and a prior domestic violence conviction involving the same victim. Indeed, Aggravated Harassment is in and of itself a Domestic Violence offense due to the elements. Not so with misdemeanor Harassment.
Prosecution of Harassment Offenses in Arizona
These offenses generally involve cooperative victims that desire prosecution. As such, the State will not dismiss these cases under most circumstances. Also, the State seeks significant punishment on defendants charged with this crime. Because of this, it is of great importance to retain an experienced attorney.
Huss Law’s founding attorney, Jeremy L. Huss, has spent two decades engrossed in Arizona harassment cases. As a 13-year prosecutor, Mr. Huss spent most of his career handling victim offenses and guiding law enforcement during complex investigations. Mr. Huss is knowledgeable and effectively situated to defend and negotiate harassment and aggravated harassment cases on behalf of his clients.
