New York Penal Law § 120.55 – Stalking in the Second Degree

Respected Criminal Defense Lawyers Dedicated to Fiercely Advocating on Behalf of Clients in New York

Stalking in the Second Degree is a criminal offense that punishes adults over 21 from following or communicating with a minor in a way that puts the minor in reasonable fear of injury or death. Stalking in the Second Degree is also used to enhance certain other Third- and Fourth-Degree Stalking offenses. Stalking in the 2nd degree is a class E felony.

The Elements of Stalking in the Second Degree

There are five ways someone can commit Stalking in the Second Degree. In each case, the prosecution must prove each of the elements of that particular subsection.

  1. The defendant commits Stalking in the Third Degree while displaying, possessing or threatening to use a weapon.
  2. The defendant commits Stalking in the Third Degree and, within the past five years, has previously been convicted of a sex crime, violent crime, or similar offense targeting the same victim.
  3. The defendant commits Stalking in the Fourth Degree and has a prior conviction for Stalking in the Third Degree.
  4. The defendant repeatedly follows or engages in a course of conduct that puts a minor in fear of injury or death.
  5. The defendant commits Stalking in the Third Degree against ten or more people based on ten or more separate incidents.

Examples of Stalking in the Second Degree

Examples of Stalking in the Second Degree include:

  • Someone follows a stranger home from the bar while visibly holding a knife;
  • A teacher repeatedly follows a student home while making sexually-explicit comments;
  • A terminated employee frequently shows up at their old job, making a commotion to frighten customers.

Related Offenses to NY Penal Law § 120.55

Most cases of Stalking in the Second Degree are simply a more serious version of Stalking in the Fourth Degree. Thus, prosecutors will almost always charge at least these two crimes. Additionally, depending on the situation, prosecutors also file one or more of the following:

  • Stalking in the First Degree – NY Penal Law § 120.60
  • Stalking in the Second Degree – NY Penal Law § 120.50
  • Stalking in the Fourth Degree – NY Penal Law § 120.45
  • Harassment in the First Degree – NY Penal Law § 240.25
  • Harassment in the Second Degree – NY Penal Law § 240.26
  • Menacing in the Second Degree – NY Penal Law § 120.14
  • Menacing in the Third Degree – NY Penal Law § 120.15
  • Promoting a Suicide Attempt – NY Penal Law § 120.30
  • Aggravated Harassment in the First Degree – NY Penal Law § 240.31
  • Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree – NY Penal Law § 240.30

What Are the Defenses to Stalking in the Second Degree?

There are many defenses to Stalking in the Second Degree, some of which include:

  • The object the defendant possessed was not a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon;
  • The offense used to trigger §120.55(2) was not a qualifying predicate crime;
  • One or more of the ten alleged victims needed to trigger §120.55(5) did not feel they had been victimized;
  • The alleged victim made up the allegations; and
  • The defendant had a legitimate reason for their actions.

What Are the Penalties for Violating NY Penal Law § 120.55?

Stalking in the Second Degree is a class E felony. In New York, a class E felony is punishable by up to four years in state prison. Additionally, the court may impose a fine of up to $5,000.

Get Started on Your Defense Today By Speaking with an Experienced NY Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you were recently charged with stalking in New York, it is essential that you find a criminal defense attorney who will take your case as seriously as you do. At Tilem & Associates, P.C., our dedicated NY criminal defense attorneys have more than 40 combined years of experience aggressively defending clients facing stalking charges as well as other related offenses involving harassment, aggravated harassment and domestic violence crimes. We are immediately available to meet with you to get started working on a compelling defense to the charges you face. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 877-377-8666. You can also reach us through our online contact form.

Client Reviews

Thank you again for discussing my case with today. I can not stress enough how impressed I am with your services as an attorney. You have gone above and beyond the call of duty to attempt to help me. Thank you again and best wishes.

Rob

I am writing to send you my heartfelt thanks for your work on my father’s case. You are a wonderful attorney. I was very impressed by you from our first meeting. I am so grateful we were referred to you. If I can ever be of help in providing a reference or anything else, please let me know.

Joanna

I wanted to first say thank you for everything you have done for me in the last several months. You made this very difficult ordeal in my life less stressful and easier to bear. I am grateful for having you as my attorney and I truly feel that you helped me above my expectations. I appreciate...

W.S.

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Available 24/7
  3. 3 Over 25 Years Experience
Fill out the contact form or call us at 877-377-8666 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message

Online Payments Available

Pre-Paid Legal Service for Gun Owners