{"id":372137,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-stalking-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-07-10T19:49:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T00:49:00","slug":"connecticut-stalking-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-stalking-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Connecticut Stalking Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Connecticut Stalking Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Connecticut<\/span> stalking<\/span> laws<\/span> criminalize a pattern of behavior intended to intimidate, harass, or cause fear for someone’s safety. The state divides stalking into three degrees based on severity, with penalties ranging from six months in jail for third-degree<\/span> stalking to five years in prison for first-degree<\/span> stalking<\/span>. These laws protect victims from repeated unwanted contact, following, monitoring, or threatening behavior.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Every state, including Connecticut<\/span>, has laws addressing the crime of stalking<\/span><\/a>. Most people have an idea of what stalking is. However, it’s important to understand the legal definition of this criminal offense. This way, if the state ever charges you with this crime, you’ll know what you’re up against.<\/p>\n

Stalking<\/a> does not involve a single act, but a pattern of behavior meant to intimidate the victim or cause reasonable concern for their safety. For example, a stalker might make threatening phone calls to an ex-spouse or repeatedly show up at a former partner’s place of employment<\/span>.<\/p>\n

In this article, we’ll explain Connecticut<\/span> stalking<\/span> laws<\/span>, including the penalties and defenses for this offense. If you’re facing stalking charges<\/span> in the State of Connecticut<\/span>, contact a local criminal <\/span>defense<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a>. They’ll review your case and help you determine the best way to proceed.<\/p>\n

If someone is stalking you, contact law enforcement<\/span> right away. A\u00a0domestic violence<\/span> attorney <\/a>can also help you through the process of obtaining a protective order<\/span> if you need one.<\/p>\n

Misconceptions About Stalking<\/h2>\n

We often think of stalking<\/a> in the context of a stranger who is obsessed with someone they don’t know, such as a celebrity. And sometimes this is the case. However, many stalking cases<\/span> involve domestic violence<\/span> or child custody situations. In fact, studies show that the perpetrators in 44% of male stalking victims and 61% of female stalking victims have had an intimate relationship<\/a> with their stalker.<\/p>\n

Some of the other misconceptions about stalking cases<\/span> include:<\/p>\n