Have you been charged with harassment? Call us now. We can help. Â
If you face harassment accusations, the first thing you need to do is track down a criminal defense lawyer that will elicit the finest courtroom results. That’s where we step in. At the Law Offices of Norman Mattar, our certified attorneys are prepared for action.Â
New York State classifies harassment laws as an activity intended to harass, annoy, threaten, or alarm another person. It’s divided into first- and second-degree harassment, as well as first-degree and second-degree aggravated harassment. Â
Harassment in the first degreeÂ
First degree harassment occurs when a person intentionally and repeatedly harasses another person. For example, first degree harassment is when if someone is follows someone in public or engages in conduct that places the person in reasonable fear of injury. This can mean a penalty of three months in prison and one year of probation. This is classified as a Class B misdemeanor. Â
Harassment in the second degreeÂ
A person is guilty of harassment in the second degree when they indent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person. As provided in New York Penal Law §240.26, harassment in the second degree may involve:Â
- Striking, shoving, kicking or otherwise subjects another person to physical contact or attempting to do the sameÂ
- Following a person in or about a public place Â
- Engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts which alarm or seriously annoy another person, which serve no legitimate purposeÂ
Harassment in the second degree is classified as a violation, which means the maximum penalty a court can impose following a conviction is 15 days in jail. This is considered a violation.Â
Aggravated harassment in the first degreeÂ
Aggravated harassment in the first degree occurs when a person has intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm another person because of a belief regarding a person’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, religion religious practice, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Â
A few examples of this includes:Â Â
- Damaging a premises primarily used for religious purposesÂ
- Etching, painting, or drawing a swastika on a building or other property, which is commonly exhibited as the emblem of Nazi GermanyÂ
- Setting fire to a catholic cross in public viewÂ
- Etching, painting, or drawing a noose on a building or other property, which is commonly exhibited as a symbol of racism and intimidationÂ
This is considered a Class E felony.Â
Aggravated harassment in the second degreeÂ
Aggravated harassment in the second degree covers a range of actions intended to harass another person. It includes assault and unwanted contact or anonymous communications. This is a Class A misdemeanor that could carry a one-year jail sentence and $1,000 fine.Â
Defenses for harassment chargesÂ
Harassment is serious offense. If you are accused of harassment, reach out to an experienced harassment lawyer to help you fight for your rights and work to prevent unfounded allegations from damaging your future.Â
Attorney Norman Mattar will build the strongest possible defense based on the facts of your case. Even if the accuser has a strong case, it may be possible to negotiate a favorable resolution. If you are charged with harassment, we will do everything possible to get you out of a difficult situation and make it clear to the court or prosecutor what really happened.Â
Contact a Buffalo Harassment Attorney Â
 If you’d like to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable defense attorneys, be sure to contact our team. We’ve handled an array of harassment cases in the past, helping our clients to receive the most favorable outcomes.Â