New York Aggravated Harassment Attorneys

Law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and judges in New York have no tolerance for harassment of any kind. Not only is harassment incredibly degrading to the victim, but it also causes unneeded hostility and tension. If you have been charged with or accused of committing aggravated harassment in Suffolk County, Nassau County, Queens, or Brooklyn, it’s in your best interest to hire an experienced defense attorney to handle your case and represent you in court.  In many aggravated harassment cases, the situation has been blown out of proportion or unjustly brought to the attention of law enforcement officials. At Young & Young, our skilled Suffolk County aggravated harassment lawyers can investigate the allegations brought against you, and ensure you are not unjustly being charged with a crime.

WHAT IS AGGRAVATED HARASSMENT?

Aggravated Harassment in the 1^st Degree

Aggravated harassment in the first degree is often considered a type of “hate crime.” You will be charged with aggravated harassment of the first degree if the following is true:

1. You intentionally harassed, annoyed, threatened, or alarmed another person because of his/her race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
2. You intentionally caused over $50 worth of damage to a property or premises used primarily for religious purposes; or
3. You committed aggravated harassment of the second degree, but you have previously been convicted of aggravated harassment of the first degree within the last 10 years; or you committed aggravated harassment of the second degree, but you have previously been convicted for aggravated harassment of the second degree.  

Aggravated Harassment in the 2^nd Degree

You will be charged with aggravated harassment of the second degree if the following is true:

1. You intentionally harassed, annoyed, threatened, or alarmed another person by means of telephone, telegraph, mail, or e-mail. 
2. You made a telephone call to the victim—regardless of whether you actually spoke to him/her—without having a legitimate reason or purpose for communicating; or
3. You intentionally shoved, struck, kicked, or made any type of physical contact with the victim because of his/her race, religion, gender, color, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or sexual orientation.  It is also considered aggravated harassment of the second degree to threaten to harm another person for these reasons as well; or
4. You have been convicted of harassment of the first degree two or more times.

Penalties for Aggravated Harassment

If you are convicted of aggravated harassment, whether it’s of the first degree or the second, you stand to face a number of adverse legal penalties. Common penalties for an aggravated harassment conviction include time in jail, steep fines, restitution to the victim, probation, community service, and mark on your permanent record. Aggravated harassment of the first degree is a felony offense, so a conviction will result in more severe penalties than that of a second degree aggravated harassment conviction.  

Contact Suffolk County Aggravated Harassment Lawyers

To protect yourself from harsh criminal prosecution, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer who knows how to defend people charged with aggravated harassment in New York. At Young & Young, we have 15 years of experience representing people accused of aggravated harassment in Suffolk County, Nassau County, Queens, and Brooklyn. When you retain our services, we will provide you with professional advice, viable options, and zealous representation both in and out of the courtroom. We can discuss your case with you at length, and answer all of your questions and concerns. Most importantly, we will work relentlessly to clear you of your criminal charges, and protect your rights and freedom.

If you have been charged with aggravated harassment in Suffolk County, Nassau County, Queens, or Brooklyn, our experienced and knowledgeable Suffolk County aggravated harassment lawyers can provide you with the legal representation you need to increase your chances of success! Contact Young & Young, LLP today at (631) 224-7500.