Harassment
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Plain-English Meaning
A criminal offense involving intentional, repeated conduct that alarms or seriously annoys another person. In New York, harassment can range from a violation to a misdemeanor. It is commonly charged in domestic and interpersonal disputes.
Legal Context
N.Y. Penal Law § 240.26 defines Harassment in the Second Degree (violation) as intentionally striking, kicking, shoving, or following, or engaging in a course of conduct that alarms or seriously annoys another with no legitimate purpose. Harassment in the First Degree (§ 240.25, B misdemeanor) involves repeatedly following or engaging in alarming conduct. Aggravated Harassment (§ 240.30, A misdemeanor) involves communications or contact by specified means motivated by bias or following an order of protection.
Real-Life Example
After repeatedly texting threatening messages and waiting outside her workplace, Kevin was charged with Harassment in the First Degree. Though he never physically touched her, his repeated alarming course of conduct met the definition of the offense.
Related Statutes
Related Terms
Source
Based on N.Y. Penal Law §§ 240.25–240.30. Original B-Legal plain-language explanation.
N.Y. Penal Law §§ 240.25–240.30
Definitions are simplified for education. Legal meanings vary by jurisdiction, context, and case facts. This definition is original B-Legal content and is not affiliated with or derived from any proprietary legal dictionary.