Criminal Harassment

Criminal harassment is most commonly known as stalking and involves the repetitive and unwanted contact of another person, causing them to reasonably fear for their safety. This can be done through verbal action of repeatedly direct or indirect contact, visual surveillance of someone’s home, workplace or known venues, or by repeated, threatening or obscene physical contact or gestures.

It is estimated that nearly 80% of stalking victims in Canada are women and two thirds of those accused are persons intimately known to them, but this is not always the case. You can be charged with criminal harassment no matter your relationship (existing or not) with the complainant. If the complainant is a current or former partner, or someone you live with these charges will be increased to domestic assault.

If you are convicted of criminal harassment you can face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. If stalking has escalated to include physical violence, assault charges will be added in conjunction. A criminal harassment conviction will show up on employment inquiries and can make international travel very difficult. In addition, this conviction also carries a mandatory 10-year weapons ban, and you may be required to submit the Canadian DNA databank.

It is important to remember that a charge does not mean you are guilty. When a charge is brought forward it represents only one side of the story, and it is not always true. In Canada, the presumption of innocence is a very important part of the law. Our offices are a judgement free space to discuss your situation, help you understand the law and protect your rights. Steve Norton is a trained negotiator who knows the law and fights tirelessly to protect his clients.