{"id":373287,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/indiana-law\/indiana-stalking-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-03-06T16:58:11","modified_gmt":"2018-03-06T21:58:11","slug":"indiana-stalking-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/indiana-law\/indiana-stalking-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Indiana Stalking Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Indiana Stalking Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\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

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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

Most of us don\u2019t mind a little extra attention from time to time. But what about unwanted contact that starts to feel threatening or dangerous? Fortunately, the Hoosier State has laws designed to protect citizens from stalkers. This is a brief introduction to stalking laws in Indiana.<\/p>\n

Stalking Statutes in Indiana<\/h2>\n

State laws regarding stalking<\/a> will differ depending on where you live. The chart below highlights some of Indiana\u2019s anti-stalking statutes.<\/p>\n\n

Code Section<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

35-45-10-1<\/a>, et seq.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Stalking Defined as<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Knowing or intentional conduct with repeated acts that would cause reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened or threatened and that actually causes such feelings.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Punishment\/Classification<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Class D felony. Class C felony if at least one of the following applies: (1) a person stalks and makes threat with intent to place victim in reasonable fear; or (2) court issued order to protect same victim(s) and perpetrator has actual notice of order; or (3) a criminal complaint of stalking pending in court and perpetrator has actual notice of complaint. Class B felony if: the act(s) were committed with deadly weapon or perpetrator has unrelated conviction for an offense against same victim(s)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Penalty for Repeat Offense<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

See Class C felony classification.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Arrest or Restraining Order Specifically Authorized by Statute?<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

–<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Constitutionally Protected Activities Exempted?<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Yes<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Generally, stalking<\/a> is defined as the unwanted pursuit of another person. This can include following a person, showing up at a person’s home or workplace, making harassing phone calls, leaving written messages or other objects, or even vandalizing<\/a> a person’s property. By definition, these actions must continue over time to constitute stalking.<\/p>\n

In most cases, the perpetrator\u2019s actions will be considered in connection with other actions to determine if someone is being stalked. Repeated harassing or threatening behavior toward another person, will be analyzed in the context of whether the aggressor is a total stranger, slight acquaintance, current or former intimate partner, or anyone else.<\/p>\n

Sadly, many stalking cases coincide with incidents of domestic violence<\/a>, as a considerable number of stalkers were once in romantic relationships with the people they are stalking. Whether or not you are familiar with someone who may be stalking you, Indiana offers multiple kinds of protective orders<\/a> for victims to keep their stalkers away.<\/p>\n

Related Resources for Stalking Laws:<\/h2>\n

Being stalked can be a frightening experience. If you would like legal assistance with a possible stalking case, you can contact an experienced criminal law attorney in your area to schedule a consultation. For more introductory information, you can visit FindLaw\u2019s sections on Domestic Violence<\/a> and Criminal Charges<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Get Legal Help with Your Stalking Case in Indiana<\/h2>\n

Stalking is taken seriously in most jurisdictions, particularly in the context of domestic violence, child custody, or other family-related disputes. But it’s not always clear what constitutes stalking, and sometimes it takes the expertise of an attorney to craft a solid defense against these charges. If you’ve been charged under Indiana stalking laws, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a local criminal defense attorney<\/a> to discuss the facts of your case and start crafting your defense.<\/p>\n

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