A Peoria police officer accused of stalking a fellow officer has been in the headlines recently as Illinois taxpayers join the fray. The accused officer has been receiving the legal defense services of a city-employed attorney, according to an agreement negotiated by the police union of Peoria. The city council recently voted to stop paying the defendant’s legal fees, but the union is appealing the motion. The defendant is accused of using the police department’s equipment to stalk the plaintiff.
Illinois has extensive laws governing stalking, harassment, and cyberstalking. According to the laws, stalking is a series of acts that would cause reasonable people to fear for their safety or suffer emotional distress. Stalking can involve surveillance, threat, damage to property, or any other act with the sole purpose of causing fear. Stalking is a felony offense which can be carried out in person, via a third party, by phone, or by electronic device.
Stalking is against the law, and you have a right to make it stop. In most cases, the victim is acquainted with the perpetrator. Many divorce cases, especially those involving domestic violence, involve stalking or other types of harassment. If you are being stalked, here are some actions you can take:
Unfortunately, no order of protection can completely prevent an act of violence. If you have made every effort to stop your stalker and you still fear for your safety, ask your attorney to help you relocate to a temporary shelter until the danger has passed.
Attorneys take every threat seriously, and so should you. Contact us if you are being stalked or harassed. You have the right to feel safe in your own home, at your workplace and elsewhere.