Pennsylvania Bluetooth Law in Senate May Level Up Stalking Charges

Pennsylvania joins a cadre of other states in setting out to punish people for utilizing Bluetooth devices to track another person without their consent. House Bill 416 passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by a sweeping majority, where the bill now awaits a Senate vote. If HB 416 becomes part of state anti-stalking laws, using a Bluetooth device or mobile app to track someone’s movement without permission will be punishable as a third-degree misdemeanor or up to 90 days in jail. The Pennsylvania Senate is also considering a separate bill that would make this crime a second-degree misdemeanor or punishable by up to two years in jail.

Are you facing stalking charges in Pennsylvania? If so, you should speak to a skilled Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney. The LLF Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Team can help you navigate the complexities of stalking charges. Call us at 888-535-3686 or send us a message online.

What Constitutes Stalking Charges in Pennsylvania?

Under Pennsylvania law, a person may be charged with stalking if they behave or repeatedly commit acts towards another person that demonstrate an intent to cause substantial emotional distress or physical harm or reasonable fear of these things.

Even if you have not been accused of domestic violence or have a PFA order (protection from abuse) filed against you, you may be subject to stalking charges. Stalking charges are misdemeanors for most people, particularly first-time offenders. However, stalking charges can become a felony if you have been convicted of a violent crime involving the accuser or another household member. Felonies stemming from stalking charges may result in incarceration and steep fines.

How Will HB 416 Impact Criminal Defense for Stalking Charges?

HB 416 and the separate Senate bill are awaiting approval or denial and thus are not yet the law. If these bills pass, however, more people may be hit with stalking charges if the accuser believes they are using apps or devices to track their movement and online activity.

Stalking charges frequently come down to the accuser’s word against the defendant, which makes stalking defense inherently difficult. If HB 416 becomes law, it widens the net for online activity and device use for stalking charges. This can make it even harder to get stalking charges dropped, given how much everyone relies on tech and shared devices today.

Stalking charges are a serious matter. They may escalate to felony charges. You need an experienced federal criminal defense attorney on your side who is familiar with stalking defense in the Pennsylvania court system. Contact the Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form to speak to one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.