Harassment charges in New York State can carry hefty punishments such as jail time up to four years and even a fine of up to $5,000. Understanding the different types of harassment charges is important when building a legal case. Flowers Law Group is a criminal lawyer in Suffolk County, and we have many years of experience in dealing with harassment charges.
First Degree Harassment
This form of harassment is defined to be when someone repeatedly and purposefully harasses someone by following them in public or a place open to the public. If someone is causing an individual to have a reasonable fear of being caused an injury, that would also fall under first-degree harassment. This charge carries up to a three month jail time, one-year probation, and a $500 fine.
Second Degree Harassment

Second-degree harassment is defined to be when someone strikes, kicks, shoves or imposes physical contact. This charge can also be given if someone attempts or threatens to do so. Repeatedly alarming or annoying someone, with the sole intent to alarm or annoy them, would also be considered second-degree harassment. This will carry up to 15 days in jail. A criminal lawyer in Suffolk County able to help you with any questions you have about this charge.
Aggravated Harassment First Degree
This form of harassment is usually directed to people belonging to a protected group such as sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, and ancestry. The damaging of religious property, displaying a noose without permission from the owner of where it is placed, burning a cross in public, or painting a swastika without prior permission of the owner of where it is painted are all examples of this charge. This charge will carry up to four years in jail and up to a $5,000 fine.
Aggravated Harassment Second Degree
Flowers Law Group is a criminal lawyer in Suffolk County and has years of experience dealing with aggravated harassment in the second degree. This charge prohibits contacting someone in any manner with the intent to annoy or harass them. Additionally, this charge is used when someone calls another person without the intention to have real communications with that person. Physically assaulting a person belonging to a protected group would also carry this charge. This charge will bring up to a year in jail, followed by three years of probation. A $1,000 fine can also be given.
Do You Need A Criminal Lawyer in Suffolk County?
Flowers Law Group is a capable and trusted defense attorney. When you need someone to fight for your case contact our Criminal lawyer in Suffolk County. Larry Flowers has the experience you need to receive favorable outcomes in a court of law.