Stalking Defense Lawyers in Oregon City

Direct Attorney Access for Stalking Allegations in Oregon City

Stalking allegations are serious, fast-moving, and often deeply personal. An accusation can lead to arrest, criminal prosecution, no-contact conditions, stalking protective order proceedings, and restrictions on communication or movement.

We represent people in Oregon City and throughout Oregon and Washington who are facing stalking charges. Avoid discussing the allegations with police or the accusing party before getting legal guidance, and preserve relevant messages, call records, social media content, location information, and witness details.

Call (971) 299-8747 or reach out online to schedule a free case analysis with our stalking defense attorneys serving Oregon City.

What Do Oregon & Washington Laws Say About Stalking?

Oregon and Washington use different legal standards for stalking. Under Oregon criminal law, stalking can involve knowingly alarming or coercing another person, or an immediate family or household member, through “repeated and unwanted contact.” The alleged contact must create objectively reasonable alarm or coercion and reasonable apprehension concerning personal safety.

Repeated contact generally means two or more contacts. Allegations can involve following, monitoring, messages, social media activity, or disputed interactions between people who know one another. Whether the conduct meets the statutory standard depends on the complete facts, not an isolated message or encounter.

Washington law separately addresses intentional and repeated harassment, following, unwanted contact or monitoring after notice, and nonconsensual electronic tracking. Under Washington’s stalking statute, the conduct must also meet the required fear or substantial emotional distress standard. A stalking charge and a stalking protective order are separate proceedings, although allegations in one proceeding can affect the other.

Penalties for a Stalking Conviction

The consequences for stalking can vary based on the charging statute, criminal history, alleged conduct, protection orders, and applicable sentencing rules. Stalking charges may be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances.

In Oregon, stalking is generally a Class A misdemeanor, which can carry up to 364 days in jail. ORS 163.732 identifies several circumstances that can elevate the offense to a Class C felony, including specified prior convictions, certain active protective orders, and particular conduct during the alleged stalking. A Class C felony carries substantially greater potential prison exposure under Oregon sentencing law.

The consequences for stalking in Washington are also serious. A stalking offense is generally a gross misdemeanor, which can carry up to 364 days in jail. Under Washington law, certain circumstances, including specified prior convictions, protective-order violations, or use of a deadly weapon, can elevate stalking to a Class B felony with substantially greater potential penalties.

Digital Evidence & Context in Stalking Cases

Communications and digital evidence often require careful review. Texts, emails, direct messages, phone records, photographs, video, account-access records, device data, and location information can provide context for what occurred and when.

Our review can examine the full timeline, the alleged source of communications, whether contact was repeated or unwanted, what notice was given, and whether the required fear or emotional-distress standard is supported. We also assess whether an alleged protective-order violation is separately supported and whether Oregon or Washington law applies.

Criminal Defense Representation for Oregon City Stalking Charges

Morrisson Law LLC is a woman-owned, independently operated criminal defense firm led by Attorney Sarah Morrisson. Attorney Morrisson is licensed in Oregon and Washington and brings public defense and trial experience involving assault, sexual assault, property crimes, domestic violence offenses, and other criminal matters.

We serve clients in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill, Columbia, Clark, and Cowlitz Counties. Our team handles state criminal cases and can represent clients in the Federal Court for the District of Oregon. Throughout the case process, clients have direct access to our attorneys.