Stalking allegations can profoundly impact a college student’s academic and personal life. These accusations often involve complex situations that require careful handling to protect both your rights and your future. At DC Student Defense, attorney Shan Wu offers experienced and dedicated legal support to students to help protect their rights and defend their academic future.
What is the Definition of Stalking?
Each college or university may have a slightly different definition of stalking, but it typically involves repeated, non-consensual contact with an individual. This can include the following:
- In-Person Visits: Unwanted and persistent visits.
- Phone Calls: Repeated calls despite requests to stop.
- Text Messages: Excessive or harassing texts.
- Social Media: Unwanted interactions on Facebook, Instagram,
- Twitter, or other online platforms.
- Any other unwanted contact
Universities often define stalking as a pattern of unwanted attention or conduct directed at an individual that causes them to fear for their own safety or the safety of others. This can encompass various forms of harassment, threats, or intrusive behavior.
What Should I Do If I Feel I Am Being Stalked?
If you believe you are being stalked, it’s crucial to take immediate action:
- Preserve Evidence: Keep records of all unwanted communications, including messages, calls, and emails.
- Report the Behavior: Notify campus authorities and/or law enforcement about the stalking.
- File for a Restraining Order: If you know the stalker, consider obtaining a restraining order for added protection.
To ensure your safety and rights, consult a college student defense attorney to discuss your case and gather evidence. They can provide guidance on the best steps to take to protect yourself and address the situation effectively.
What Should I Do If I Am Accused of Stalking?
Being accused of stalking is a serious matter that requires careful handling:
- Seek Legal Counsel: Contact an experienced college student defense attorney as soon as possible. They can guide you through the legal process and help build a strong defense.
- Do Not Contact the Accuser: Avoid any direct communication with the accuser or discussing the case with anyone other than your attorney.
- Provide Information: Share all relevant details about the case and your relationship to the accuser with your attorney. This ensures they have all the information needed to defend you effectively.
At DC Student Defense, we have decades of experience representing clients accused of university conduct violations, and we know how the university disciplinary process works. It’s our goal to protect our clients’ rights and defend their academic futures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes stalking?
Stalking involves repeated, non-consensual contact that causes fear for personal safety. This can include physical visits, calls, texts, emails, and social media interactions.
What should I do if I am being stalked?
Preserve evidence of unwanted contact, report the behavior to authorities, and consider obtaining a restraining order. Consult a defense attorney to discuss your situation.
What should I do if accused of stalking?
Seek legal counsel immediately. Do not contact the accuser directly and provide your attorney with all relevant information about the case.