It is well known that you can obtain an injunction, or restraining order, for protection against domestic violence or repeat violence in Florida. However, many people are not aware that you can also seek an injunction for protection against stalking or cyberstalking as well.
Under Florida Statute 784.048, a person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows, harasses, or cyberstalks another person commits the offense of stalking.
Harassment means to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person which causes substantial emotional distress to that person and serves no legitimate purpose.
Cyberstalking means to engage in a course of conduct to communicate, or cause to be communicated, words, images, or language by or through the use of electronic mail or electronic communication, directed at a specific person, causing substantial emotional distress to that person and serving no legitimate purpose.
If you feel you have been the victim of stalking or cyberstalking, you may file a petition for protection against stalking or cyberstalking (an attorney from our firm can represent you on this portion to ensure that your petition is specific enough to get granted.) Within 24 hours a Judge will review your petition and, if the petition meets the burden, will issue a temporary injunction to protect you while the case is pending. Within two weeks you will have a hearing set where a Judge will hear from both sides. If you are able to show that you have been a victim of stalking or cyberstalking, the Judge will grant you an injunction for protection from the person who has been harassing you.
If you have questions about this process, call an attorney at our firm today for a free consultation. We have represented people in Pinellas and Hillsborough County with regards to injunctions for protection against stalking or cyberstalking. We represent both petitioners and respondents so we know how to prepare a case from both sides. Call today and speak with a lawyer about your situation free of charge.