What is stalking?
Under Alaska law, stalking is when someone repeatedly commits acts involving you or a family member that put you in fear of death or physical injury against you or against a family member.1 Some examples of the acts that a stalker could commit are:
- Following you or appearing within your sight;
- Approaching or confronting you in a public place or on private property;
- Showing up at your home or workplace;
- Coming onto and/or remaining on your property (that you own, lease or are occupying);
- Sending letters, e-mails or making unwanted telephone calls to you;
- Placing an object on, or delivering an object to, property owned, leased, or occupied by that person;
- Following or monitoring you with a global positioning device (GPS) or similar technological means; and/or
- Using, installing, or attempting to use or install a device (including computer software) to watch, record, or photograph events that occur in any residence, vehicle, or workplace used by you, or on a personal telephone or computer that you use.2
Stalking can be either a felony or misdemeanor depending on certain factors. For example, if the stalker had a deadly weapon at any time during the stalking, commits the stalking in violation of a protective order, the victim is under 16 years old, or was convicted or certain crimes, it could be a felony.3
1 Alaska Statute § 11.41.270(a)
2 Alaska Statute § 11.41.270(b)(1),(4)
3 Alaska Statute § 11.41.260(a) and (c)