What is the definition of stalking?
Under Iowa Law, a person commits Stalking when they do all of the following:
- The person purposefully engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily injury to, or the death of, that specific person or a member of the specific person's immediate family.
- The person has knowledge or should have knowledge that the specific person will be placed in reasonable fear of bodily injury to, or the death of, that specific person or a member of the specific person's immediate family by the course of conduct.
- The person's course of conduct induces fear in the specific person of bodily injury to, or the death of, the specific person or a member of the specific person's immediate family.
What should I do if I feel I am being stalked?
If you feel you are being stalked, you should contact law enforcement.
What should I do if I am accused of stalking?
If you are accused of stalking, you should contact an attorney immediately. Under no circumstances should a person accused of stalking attempt to contact the person they are accused of stalking. Stalking in Iowa is a serious offense that may be punished by a prison sentence.