Is it a crime to follow someone? How is it not stalking?

[LaydeeBug]

Yes I am in another battle.

Stalking is a crime, right?

[quinnox]

1. ask a lawyer

it depends on a lot of factors most likely. I think I could randomly start following someone and it is not a crime, but if I keep following the same person for days on end then that might be stalking.

[pkdu]

2. Some good definitions here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalking

[aikoaiko]

3. Different states have stalking law features.

In GA, stalking is defined as when a person "follows, places under surveillance, or contacts another person at or about a place or places without the consent of the other person for the purpose of harassing and intimidating the other person." Or does does so when there is a peace bond out.

Simply following is not enough in my state. I don't know about FL.

[HooptieWagon]

4. Merely following somebody is not stalking.

Following somebody in a threatening or intimidating manner, or with the intent to harass them, is considered stalking.

[MineralMan]

5. Is this in the real world or on the Internet?

In the real world, a lot depends on the laws in your state.

[lunatica]

6. Having had a stalker while I was in college I would say it isn't the same thing at all

Following someone once is not at all the same as stalking someone.

Stalkers follow you, but they do it all the time, day or night. They wait for you when you go into class and no matter where you go they go because they know where you go all the time. Normally they keep their distance enough so if you say anything people will just say you're exaggerating. They will talk to your friends, and even date them to talk about you. I can't tell you how many of my friends told me I was being too mean to him and how he loved me so much. Some people even think it's romantic. They call at all hours and at times just jump out at you from behind bushes so they can get the thrill of scaring you.

Believe me. It isn't the same thing at all. It's actually quite terrifying because you don't know if they'll decide to kill you since they can't have you, and you feel completely alone and helpless because people won't take you seriously.

[wandy]

7. I couldn't agree with you more.....

And I'll go one step further. It's a matter of how you feel about it. If you feel you are being harassed, report it. Each state may have different laws, but for god's sake; don't wait for something bad to happen.

[lunatica]

8. It happened to me way before there were any stalking laws

It was in the 1960s. A little less than 40 years ago. Even cops at the time would want to know what crime had been committed. There was nothing to stop stalkers then. The term wasn't even known. It wasn't until a young actress in Hollywood was killed by her stalker that the laws started to address the problem in California.

[EFerrari]

9. Yes, stalking is a crime in most places

and January is National Stalking Awareness Month.

[Ide Clair]

10. It's not a crime unless.......

Just following someone , not threatening them physically, isn't a crime unless you have a retraining order against them. And then it's a crime.

[LaydeeBug]

11. Welome to DU Ide Clair...wow! this is an old post...

but ain't nothing wrong with following someone.

Just like GZ was doing.

In a car.

Following. with a loaded gun

Nothin' wrong with that.

[uppityperson]

12. Interesting, isn't it?

Waiting with baited breath for their next post.

[LaydeeBug]

13. Honestly. I thought it was a little strange.

To bring a post from more than a year ago back.

I don't know if I should be flattered or a little freaked out.

Nevertheless, the water beckons on this hot, humid day

[uppityperson]

14. It had to be found via search since after a couple days not posting GD posts go off to archive

Even posting on it again, like we have, won't kick it to page 1 of GD. Most I've seen do this are by a story or another reply by a ppr'd person but I don't see that. Odd. Have a good way in the water.

[Agschmid]

15. Water would be nice...

keep an eye on that one. I am off to the beach!