SAN DIEGO HARASSMENT LAWYER
Have you been charged with Harassment?
Harassment is a crime. Criminal harassment is defined as "engaging in intentional conduct which the harasser knows, or has reason to know, would cause the victim to feel frightened, threatened, oppressed, persecuted or intimidated, and causes this reaction on the part of the victim. It can involve several violations of different laws. If you have been charged with harassment, you need to call Matthew Spiegel at Spiegel Law Group, the San Diego harassment lawyer that most residents in San Diego turn to.
Civil remedies are solutions that protect the victim, such as obtaining a restraining order, and those which can help them to obtain financial compensation, such as lawsuits. There are also criminal proceedings, which are intended to punish the person charged with harassment.
Since there are time limits to bringing some types of lawsuits, any legal action must be taken promptly. Mr. Spiegel can assist you in determining the appropriate course of defense in your case.
Harassment Attorney in San Diego
Generally, the victim may be able to sue the offender if there has been an intentional or reckless act that has caused harm. The act could be a harmful or offensive contact (battery), a threat to physically harm where the offender is capable to carry out the threat apprehended as harmful or offensive contact (assault), entering property without permission (trespass), or any other extreme and dangerous conduct (intentional infliction of emotional distress). If it is proven actual physical damage, the victim could collect compensatory damages, which is money that is meant to reimburse the victim for financial and physical losses. Some behaviors, such as assault or trespass, do not necessarily result in any physical harm. In these cases, victims can collect a small sum of money (usually one dollar) to acknowledge that the harasser has violated rights and safety (nominal damages). Punitive damages are in civil suits where the acts of the defendant “show deliberate disregard for the rights or safety of others.” Sometimes they are awarded in addition to compensatory damages. However, because they are partially determined by the defendant’s financial condition, they are not always easy to obtain.
It is also possible that the harassment may be a violation of federal or state law designed to prevent discrimination, particularly if the harassment occurred at work, at school, or in a a rented apartment.
Contact a San Diego harassment lawyer today at (619) 338-0022 to evaluate your situation. Matthew Spiegel will advise you on the strength or weakness of any legal claims against you. We will provide the assistance you need to protect your rights.
