What qualifies as harassment in Missouri?

In Missouri, harassment covers a broad spectrum of behaviors that can cause emotional distress or fear in another person. This includes repeated unwanted communication, stalking, threats, intimidation, or posting harmful content online. The law considers intent—if your actions are perceived as purposeful and threatening, you could face criminal charges, even if no physical contact occurred.

Can I be charged for something I said online?

Yes. When evaluating harassment claims, Missouri law considers digital communication, like texts, emails, and social media posts. If your message is interpreted as threatening, obscene, or deliberately meant to alarm or annoy someone, it can result in criminal charges. Online harassment is prosecuted seriously, particularly if it involves repeated contact or targets a protected class.

What are the penalties for harassment?

Harassment can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony in Missouri, depending on the nature and severity of the conduct. Misdemeanor harassment may carry penalties like fines, probation, or up to a year in jail. Felony harassment, particularly if it involves prior convictions or threats of violence, can result in multi-year prison sentences. Protective orders and restrictions on communication are also common.

What should I do if I’m falsely accused?

False accusations of harassment can still lead to restraining orders, job loss, and serious criminal charges. If you’ve been accused, do not try to resolve the matter directly with the accuser or with law enforcement—this can make things worse. Instead, contact one of our harassment lawyers in Kansas City immediately. We’ll investigate the details, protect your rights, and build a strong legal strategy to challenge the claims.

Can I be arrested without evidence of physical harm?

Yes. Harassment charges in Missouri don’t require physical contact. If someone reports that your words or actions caused them fear or distress, you can still be arrested, even without physical evidence. That’s why we recommend having a strong legal defense led by expert harassment lawyers in Kansas City.

What is the difference between harassment and stalking?

Harassment involves unwanted communication or behavior that causes emotional distress. Stalking, on the other hand, involves repeated following or surveillance that creates fear for someone’s safety. Both are serious offenses, but stalking may carry steeper penalties, especially when tied to protective orders.

Harassment | Watt and Young Law Firm

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DUI/DWI

City v. Sullivan

Case dismissed on the morning of trial.
Misdemeanor

City of Raytown v. Higgins

Defendant acquitted of domestic assault after bench trial on the matter.
DUI/DWI

City v. Baptiste

Defendant found "not guilty" of second DUI after bench trial on the matter.
DUI/DWI

City v. Cowan

Defendant found "not guilty" after bench trial on the matter.
Misdemeanor

City v. Vincent

Defendant charged with Fleeing/Eluding a Law Enforcement Officer. She was found not guilty after bench trial on the matter.
Misdemeanor

State v. White

Defendant found not guilty of assault after bench trial on the matter.
Misdemeanor

State v. Montgomery

"Not guilty" after bench trial (DUI).

DUI/DWI

State v. Luethje

Case dismissed.
Felony

State of MIssouri v. Sherman

Burglary First Degree (B Felony) - Amended to Trespass (B Misdemeanor) after heavily litigating a diminished capacity defense.
Felony

State v. Aguilar

Acquittal by jury on all counts: rape first degree, sodomy first degree, and sexual abuse first degree.
DUI/DWI

State v. Blessing

Defendant found "not guilty" after bench trial on the matter.
Misdemeanor

State v. Garlington

Defendant charged with DUI in State Court. Defendant found not not guilty after bench trial on the matter.
Felony

State v. Jones

Defendant charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Acquittal by jury.
Felony

State v. Whitley

Defendant charged with Rape First Degree and Sodomy First Degree. After jury trial on the matter, the jury ultimately hung. Case was later resolved with probation.
Misdemeanor

State v. Nicholas

Defendant found not guilty of assault after bench trial on the matter.
DUI/DWI

State v. Metzger

DUI dismissed.

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If relationship conflict has caused law enforcement to get involved, be prepared to face a domestic assault charge.

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If the police have arrested you or someone you know, or if you expect arrest, understanding the process can lessen the stress and prepare you for what comes next.

What will happen if I’m arrested?

Harassment Lawyers in Kansas City