Stalking Charges Attorney in Fort Bend County

Facing A Stalking Arrest And Do Not Know What Comes Next? Call Rosen & Kovach, PLLC

Being accused of stalking can change your life in a single day. An arrest can lead to immediate jail time, strict bond conditions, and limits on where you can go or who you can contact. A conviction can affect your job, your family relationships, and your reputation for years. Let a stalking charges attorney in Fort Bend County from Rosen & Kovach, PLLC lead the way.

At Rosen & Kovach, PLLC, we represent people who are facing stalking allegations in this area. Our criminal defense team includes a former Texas state prosecutor and we have 40 years of combined legal experience in criminal law. We work to protect our clients’ constitutional rights and to guide them through every stage of the case.

If you are under investigation or have been arrested, the time to act is now. Contact a stalking charges attorney in Fort Bend County at Rosen & Kovach, PLLC. With our former prosecutor experience and free consultations, we are ready to build your defense. Call (281) 232-0505 or reach out online today.

Understanding Texas Stalking Laws

Stalking in Texas is defined under Texas Penal Code § 42.072. To be charged with stalking, a person must engage in a "scheme or course of conduct" on more than one occasion directed at a specific person. This conduct must be something that the actor knows or should reasonably know the other person will perceive as threatening bodily injury, death, or an offense against their property.

That pattern may include repeated phone calls, texts, emails, messages through friends, in-person visits, or following someone. The law also looks at whether you knew, or reasonably should have known, that the other person did not want contact and felt threatened or harassed. These are complicated questions and reasonable people can disagree about how certain conduct should be viewed.

Domestic Violence Stalking

A significant portion of stalking cases in Fort Bend County are categorized as "domestic violence" stalking. This occurs when the alleged victim is a family member, a household member, or someone with whom the accused has had a "dating relationship" as defined by the Texas Family Code. In these instances, the prosecution is often even more aggressive. The state may seek enhanced bond conditions, such as GPS ankle monitoring or a "Permanent Protective Order," which can last for years and result in the loss of your right to possess a firearm.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Stalking in Texas

Texas does not have a "misdemeanor" stalking charge. If you are convicted, you are a convicted felon, which changes your life permanently.

Criminal Penalties

• Third-Degree Felony: A first-time stalking conviction carries a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Second-Degree Felony: If you have a prior stalking conviction in Texas or any other state, the charge is elevated. This carries a punishment range of 2 to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Collateral Consequences in Fort Bend County

Beyond prison time, the "hidden" penalties of a stalking conviction can be just as damaging:

• Protective Orders: You may be legally barred from certain areas of Sugar Land, Richmond, or Missouri City for years.
• Loss of Civil Rights: You will lose your right to vote (while incarcerated) and your right to own or carry a firearm—a major consequence in Texas.
• Employment and Housing: Many employers will not hire individuals with felony convictions involving "crimes of moral turpitude" or violence. Professional licenses (nursing, teaching, etc.) are also at risk.
• Family Law Impact: A stalking conviction is often used as leverage in child custody battles to limit or terminate your parental rights.

What To Do After A Stalking Arrest in Fort Bend County

The hours and days after an arrest are often confusing. You may be released on bond with conditions that you do not fully understand. You may receive paperwork listing your first court date at the Fort Bend County Justice Center. Knowing what to do, and what not to do, can make a real difference in your case.

One of the most important steps is to strictly follow all bond and protective order conditions. Violations can lead to additional charges and may hurt your position with the court. Even if you disagree with the accusation, it is usually safer to let your lawyer address any changes to those orders instead of trying to handle it on your own.

You should also avoid having any contact with the person accusing you, unless your attorney gives you different guidance and the court allows it. Contact can include calls, texts, social media messages, and sending messages through friends or relatives. Even messages that you believe are harmless can be interpreted differently later in court.

It can also be helpful to preserve relevant evidence. That may include messages, call logs, emails, and information about where you were at certain times. Do not delete or alter information out of fear. Instead, speak with a lawyer about how to safely preserve it so that your side of the story can be presented.

Why Your Stalking Case Needs Local Defense

Stalking cases are often built around a long timeline of events. Prosecutors may look at text messages, social media posts, location information, prior calls to law enforcement, and the history of any relationship between you and the accuser. How those facts are interpreted can depend on practices inside the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.

Our team includes a former Texas state prosecutor. That background helps us anticipate how the state may charge stalking, which witnesses they may rely on, and how they might present digital evidence to a jury. When we review a case, we look for weaknesses in the way the investigation was handled and whether the alleged pattern of conduct truly meets the legal definition of stalking.

With 40 years of combined criminal defense experience, we know that no two stalking cases are the same. Some charges arise after a relationship ends. Others follow workplace disputes or misunderstandings about shared spaces or custody exchanges. We take time to understand what led to the accusation and how the evidence fits together, then we use our local knowledge to plan the defense.

If you are searching for a stalking charges attorney in Fort Bend County because you are worried about your future, we invite you to contact our team for a confidential consultation about your specific situation.

How Our Team Builds Your Defense in Fort Bend County

Stalking cases often begin with a partial story in a police report, but the full context is crucial. Our team carefully reviews charging documents, police reports, and digital evidence to understand the timeline, nature of communications, and circumstances surrounding each alleged incident. This thorough approach ensures we see the complete picture before crafting a defense.

Our defense process includes:

• Examining texts, social media messages, and other communications in context
• Identifying how prior and subsequent interactions may alter the interpretation of evidence
• Consulting witnesses who can provide an important perspective
• Leveraging prosecutorial insight to anticipate government strategies and identify weaknesses
• Preparing for trial while exploring negotiation or pretrial resolution options
• Advising clients on risks, potential outcomes, and the best path forward
• Assisting with probation matters, appeals, and record-limiting efforts under Texas law

We focus not just on the immediate case, but also on protecting your long-term reputation, rights, and future opportunities in Fort Bend County and beyond.

Talk To Our Fort Bend County Stalking Defense Lawyer

Stalking accusations can move quickly, from an initial complaint to an arrest and protective orders. Early decisions in local courts can affect bond, your ability to see family, and the direction of your case. You do not have to face those decisions by yourself.

At Rosen & Kovach, PLLC, our attorneys bring 40 years of combined criminal defense experience and the insight of a former Texas state prosecutor. We work to protect your constitutional rights, seek fair treatment, and reduce the long-term impact that a stalking charge can have on your future. We stay with our clients from the first court setting through resolution and, when appropriate, with issues involving probation or clearing records.

Call (281) 232-0505 or reach out online to speak with our criminal defense team about your stalking case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for a stalking charge?

Jail or prison time is possible in stalking cases, particularly when the charge is a felony. The risk in your case depends on the facts, your history, and how the court views the allegations. We review these factors with you and work to limit the chance of incarceration.

Should I stop contacting the person accusing me?

In most situations, it is safest to stop all contact immediately, including texts, calls, and social media. Courts often issue protective orders or bond terms that prohibit communication. Violations can create new problems. We can review your conditions and advise you about what contact, if any, is allowed.

How will you use my texts and messages in my defense?

We review your messages, emails, and call records to understand the full context of your interactions. Sometimes the history shows that the communication was mutual or not threatening. We then decide how to use that evidence to challenge the state’s version of events and support your defense.

When should I hire a lawyer for a stalking investigation?

It is wise to involve a lawyer as soon as you learn about an investigation, even before an arrest. Early counsel can guide how you respond to law enforcement and help protect your rights. Our attorneys can speak for you and work to prevent misunderstandings from becoming formal charges.

Does your team handle stalking cases in Fort Bend County courts?

Yes, our attorneys regularly appear in criminal courts at the Fort Bend County Justice Center on stalking and related charges. We are familiar with local judges and prosecutors. That local experience helps us prepare you for hearings and develop a defense that fits how these courts operate.

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