Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
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Note: If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, the Oregon Dept. of Human Services, or your local police department.
Although all states have stalking statutes in place, there is no single act that can be described as "stalking." The offense is typically defined as a pattern of malicious behavior intended to cause apprehension or fear in another person, and is typically associated with domestic disputes. For instance, showing up at your ex-wife's place of employment unannounced just to shout obscenities at her, either multiple times or in conjunction with another act, would probably be considered stalking. But a single isolated incident would not be considered stalking.
A perpetrator can be charged with stalking even if he or she is nowhere near the victim. For example, calling someone repeatedly on the phone and uttering threats or making some kind of disturbing comment could be an act of stalking. The best remedy for stalking is to obtain an order of protection from the offending individual.
Under Oregon law, an individual commits the crime of stalking if:
See the following chart for additional details about Oregon's stalking laws.
| Code Section | 163.732 et seq. |
| Stalking Defined as | Knowingly alarms or coerces another person or person's family member/household by engaging in repeated and unwanted contact. The contact causes apprehension regarding personal safety. |
| Punishment/Classification | Class A misdemeanor. Class C felony if perpetrator has prior conviction for stalking or violates court order |
| Penalty for Repeat Offense | Class C felony |
| Arrest or Restraining Order Specifically Authorized by Statute? | Restraining order may be issues upon citation for stalking |
| Constitutionally Protected Activities Exempted? | Conduct authorized or protected by labor laws exempt |
Note: State laws are always subject to change, usually through new legislation, appellate court decisions, or ballot initiatives. You may want to contact an Oregon criminal defense attorney or family law attorney, or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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