There is a difference in Oregon between general harassment or sexual harassment and criminal harassment.
When someone offends another person but doesn’t purposefully abuse them or touch them, it’s often referred to as “harassment.” Harassment is typically classified by intimidating, bullying, or rude behavior. No physical injury has to occur in order for the accused to be charged. The harassment could be sexual, racial, or political. Nowadays, it’s common to hear cases of people harassing and annoying others based on the recipient’s sexual orientation, gender identification, or national background. Depending on the situation, long term effects could remain if someone chooses to harass or intimidate another.
Criminal Harassment Defined
Criminal harassment in Oregon, simply put, is offensive physical or personal contact. It’s similar to stalking in the way which the offender will not leave the victim alone but instead continues to cause them to feel miserable, threatened, or alarmed. The law in Oregon classifies harassment by four main categories. The offender could have subjected their victim to offensive personal or physical contact. The accused could have brought about public humiliation and insults in order to coax the victim in reacting violently. If the offender subjects the victim to a vicious lie involving the death or injury of someone or resorts to calling, writing, or otherwise sending a message to the victim containing a threat, this will also fall under the category of harassment. Whether the threat is personal in nature or is concerning the victim’s own property, it still qualifies as harassment under Oregon’s law.
Harassment Examples
On July 5th, a former Coburg, Oregon police chief Sean Gilhousen was sentenced to 18 months of probation in addition to two days he had already spent in jail. Gilhousen’s charge was for harassment involving domestic violence. According to the prosecutor, Gilhousen had kicked a laundry basket during an argument in January. The basket had hit his girlfriend in the face. It wasn’t reported for several weeks.
In Portland Oregon, Jared Walter, known as the “TriMet Barber”, was found guilty of harassment and sentenced to two years in prison. The sentence came on July 6th after he was accused of cutting two different women’s hair. At the time of the incidents, they were using TriMet transportation on separate occasions. The first victim came forth and gave her statement on April 29th while the second followed suit two days later. Both explained they had felt sharp tugs on their hair as well as hair being pulled out. Upon turning around, they found Walter with a pair of scissors. This was not Walter’s first offense.
Harassment Charges in Oregon
While it depends whether or not the offender has previously had similar cases, the charges for harassment typically fall under those for a Class B misdemeanor. The offender will deal with up to six months in jail and fines up to $2,500. If you have been charged with harassment, get in touch with a defense attorney immediately.