What is Considered Harassment in Michigan?

If you have been accused of harassing someone in Michigan, you may be confused or stressed about what that means for you. Harassment is a criminal offense that can result in significant legal penalties, so understanding what behavior is considered a crime is crucial in protecting yourself and your legal rights. It is crucial that you secure skilled representation during your case. Continue reading for more information and reach out to a knowledgeable Upper Peninsula criminal defense lawyer today.

What is Considered Harassment in MI?

Under Michigan Compiled Laws 750.411h and 750.411i, harassment refers to conduct that involves repeated or continuing unwanted contact that would cause a reasonable person to suffer emotional distress and that actually causes the victim to suffer emotional distress. The behavior serves no legitimate purpose other than to intimidate or harass the individual.

Examples of behavior that can constitute harassment in Michigan include the following.

• Repeated phone calls, texts, or messages after being told to stop
• Showing up uninvited at someone’s home or workplace
• Following or monitoring someone’s activities without permission
• Making threats or obscene gestures
• Posting or sharing personal information about someone online

Michigan generally recognizes stalking, verbal harassment, sexual harassment, and cyberbullying. Each of these offenses is a type of harassment that can be penalized under the criminal justice system.

For an individual’s behavior to qualify as harassment, there must have been at least two incidents, the conduct must have been willful and intended to cause emotional distress, the victim must not have consented to the contact, and the contact must be enough that a reasonable person would experience emotional distress.

What Are the Penalties for Harassment in MI?

The penalties for harassment in Michigan vary depending on the specific circumstances of the offense. In general, harassment is charged as a misdemeanor. However, it can be enhanced to a felony depending on the details of the situation.

Misdemeanor stalking or harassment:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Probation, including mandatory counseling or anger management courses
• Protective orders restricting contact with the victim

Felony stalking or harassment:

• Up to 5 years in jail
• Fines up to $10,000
• Additional penalties apply if aggravating circumstances, such as weapons, prior offenses, or vulnerable victims, were involved

Besides jail time and fines, a conviction for harassment can impact your personal relationships, employment, and housing. It can also result in a permanent criminal record, the loss of firearm rights, and restraining or protective orders issued against you.

The prosecution must prove the elements of harassment beyond a reasonable doubt. A skilled Michigan criminal defense attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, question the victim’s credibility, or show that your actions had a legitimate purpose besides inflicting distress. Reach out to an experienced attorney today for more information and legal representation.