Legal Strategies for Fighting Stalking Allegations

At the Law Offices of William Bruzzo, our Orange County criminal defense lawyer has spent over 30 years exclusively defending clients accused of serious crimes in every Orange County courthouse. We know the judges, the prosecutors, and the local procedures inside out. When it comes to stalking allegations, one of the most emotionally charged and over-filed accusations we see, we consistently secure dismissals, reductions, or complete case rejections, often before formal charges are even filed.

Understanding California Stalking Law in Orange County

Stalking accusations are some of the most overcharged cases we see in Orange County. Prosecutors must prove every single element beyond a reasonable doubt, and when even one is weak, the entire case usually falls apart. We use these gaps daily to get charges dismissed or reduced.

The required elements are:

• You willfully and repeatedly followed or harassed the person
• You made a credible threat (spoken, written, texted, posted, or implied by conduct)
• You intended to place them in reasonable fear for their or their family’s safety
• The victim was actually and reasonably afraid

Missing just one means no conviction, and often no filing once our Orange County criminal defense attorneys get involved.

Penalties for Stalking Convictions in Orange County

Stalking is a “wobbler” that can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. The difference changes your life dramatically. Penalties range from probation to years in state prison.

• Misdemeanor: up to 1 year county jail + $1,000 fine
• Felony: 2–5 years state prison + up to $10,000 fine (higher with restraining order violation or priors)

Any protective order violation adds separate charges and almost forces felony treatment. We fight to keep cases misdemeanor or dismissed completely.

Proven Defense Strategies Our Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyers Use Daily

Most stalking cases in Orange County collapse under real courtroom pressure. Our Orange County criminal defense attorneys attack weak cases immediately and win with strategies proven in local courts.

These include:

• No credible threat existed (jokes, venting, exaggeration)
• No intent to cause fear
• Legitimate purpose or protected First Amendment activity
• False accusations from breakups, custody battles, or neighbor disputes
• Ironclad alibi via cell phone GPS, Ring/doorbell video, or social media timestamps

These defenses win because they are backed by hard evidence we know how to present in Orange County.

Why Immediate Action Is Critical in Orange County Stalking Cases

In Orange County, police can secure an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) within hours, removing you from your home and children before you’re even charged. We move fast to block EPOs, present exculpatory evidence, and stop formal filing entirely. Waiting even a day can turn a winnable case into a nightmare.

Speak to an Experienced Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you’ve been accused of stalking in Orange County, every minute counts. The Law Offices of William Bruzzo have protected clients in Orange County courts since 1994. Call us right now for a free, confidential consultation at (714) 547-4636 or contact us online. We answer 7 days a week and start fighting immediately, because your freedom can’t wait.