14 V.I.C. § 2071. Definitions. (2005)
As used in this
chapter:
(a)
"Course of conduct" means
knowing and willful action directed at a specific person, composed of a series
of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of
purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the
meaning of "course of conduct."
(b)
"Credible threat" means an
explicit or implicit threat made with the intent and the apparent ability to
carry out the threat, so as to cause the person who is the target of the
threat to reasonably fear for their safety or the safety of a member of the
person's family.
(c)
"Harass" means to engage in a
course of conduct directed at a specific person which would cause a reasonable
person to suffer emotional distress.
14 V.I.C. §
2072.
Stalking
prohibited; degrees of offense; punishment.
(1994)
(a)
A
person is guilty of the crime of stalking
who purposely and repeatedly follows another person and engages in a course of
conduct or makes a credible threat with the intent of annoying or placing that
person in reasonable fear of death or bodily harm or injury. Any person
convicted of the crime of stalking
shall be imprisoned for a period not to exceed 18 months, or may be fined up
to $7,500, or both.
(b)
A
person who commits a second or subsequent offense of stalking
shall be imprisoned for a period not to exceed 5 years, or may be fined up to
$15,000, or both and shall be required to obtain psychological or emotional
assistance as determined by the court. Provided, however, a person who is
convicted of a third or subsequent offense, shall be imprisoned for not less
than one month and not more than 5 years, or may be fined up to $15,000, or
both.
(c)
A
person is guilty of the crime of aggravated stalking
who commits the crime of stalking
in violation of an existing court order prohibiting the behavior and shall be
imprisoned for a period not to exceed 5 years, or may be fined up to $15,000,
or both.
(d)
A
person is guilty of the crime of aggravated stalking
who commits the crime of stalking
which involves a crime of violence as defined in Title 23, section 451,
subsection (e) of this code and shall be imprisoned for a period not to exceed
5 years, or may be fined up to $15,000, or both.
(e)
The
provisions of this section shall not apply to conduct which occurs during
organized group picketing.