What is legally considered harassment in New York State?

Any unwanted, alarming, threatening activity which includes a clear intent to harm, demean, or disturb, and which occurs repeatedly, can qualify as harassment. The abuse can range from racial slurs, harassing phone calls, and other cases of verbal harassment, to cyberstalking, lewd comments, and sexual harassment.

What is considered phone call harassment?

Telephone harassment occurs when someone intends to annoy, harass, or threaten you by: making a telephone continually ring. making lewd, indecent, or obscene comments, suggestions, or requests over the telephone. making a telephone call without identifying oneself.

Is text harassment a crime in NY?

A person is guilty of this crime if they initiate any form of communication with the intent to harass or threaten another person. This communication does not necessarily need to be over the phone, it is just the most common way for people to communicate their threats or vent their anger.

Is it harassment to call someone repeatedly?

Calls made repeatedly or more often suggest harassment, while one phone call may not. Additionally, whether or not the recipient has asked the caller to stop will also be considered in determining whether the conduct constitutes harassment.

What are the laws for telephone harassment in New York State?

New York residents are protected by federal and state laws from receiving harassing telephone calls. According to Lawyers.com, state and federal laws define telephone harassment as any act in which another person attempts to harass or threaten another through telephone calls.

What is phone harassment and how do you handle it?

Phone harassment is defined as any form of unsolicited telephone communication that is threatening, obscene, or unwanted. Telephone harassment occurs when someone intends to annoy, harass, threaten, or even harm you by: Making the telephone continually ring.

What is Class E felony phone harassment in New York State?

Class E felony phone harassment is punishable with a prison sentence of up to four years and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Consumers who have been victimized by phone harassment can file a complaint with the New York State Attorney General.

What are the penalties for telephone harassment?

People who commit telephone harassment are subject to fines, prison, or both. In many states, telephone harassment is a criminal misdemeanor and can be more serious when a defendant in a criminal case is harassing the victim.