What is Menacing by Stalking?
Ohio law states “No person, by engaging in a pattern of conduct, shall knowingly cause another to believe that the offender will cause physical harm to the other person or cause mental distress to the other person.” “Pattern of conduct” means two or more actions or incidents closely related in time whether or not there has been a prior conviction based on any of those actions or incidents. “Mental distress” means any mental illness or condition that involves some temporary substantial incapacity or mental illness or condition that would normally require psychiatric treatment. A violation of Menacing by Stalking is a misdemeanor of the first degree in which the maximum penalty is up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. A second or subsequent offense is a felony of the fifth degree, with a sentence of up to five years in prison and up to a $2,500 fine. Actions to Take Against the Stalker • Document everything. Include date, time, and a description of the incident, names of witn
