New York Harassment Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 26, 2018
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New York harassment laws prohibit a wide array of activities intended to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm people. New York divides harassment into first and second degree crimes, as well as standard harassment and aggravated harassment.
In addition to these four forms of harassment (discussed below) there is a specific aggravated harassment statute that penalizes harassment of prison employees, probation officers, police officers, and other employees by causing them to come into contact with blood, semen, urine, feces, or toilet water.
New York Harassment Laws Overview
Statute | New York Penal Law § 240.21 - 240.32 |
First Degree Harassment | First degree harassment occurs when a person intentionally and repeatedly harasses another person they:
First degree harassment is a class B misdemeanor. |
Second Degree Harassment | Second degree harassment occurs when, with the intention to harass, annoy, or alarm a person they:
Second degree harassment is a violation. Violations are offenses that result in a fine but no jail time. |
Aggravated Harassment in the First Degree | Aggravated harassment in the first degree occurs when, with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm another person because of their perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation they:
Aggravated harassment in the first degree is a class E felony. |
Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree | Aggravated harassment in the second degree occurs when, with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm another person they:
Aggravated harassment in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Additional Resources
If you have additional questions about New York harassment laws, click on the links below for more information:
Charged With Harassment? An Attorney Can Help
New York harassment laws cover a very broad range of acts. Whether you are the victim of harassment, or are accused of harassing someone, the resulting case will involve an examination of accused's intent and the perceptions of the people involved. These are slippery concepts, and the experience of a qualified New York defense attorney can be invaluable in presenting your case.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
- Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
- A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many New York attorneys offer free consultations.
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