This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to clarify the offense of harassment by explicitly including the act of intimidation. It defines "intimidation" as an act or course of conduct directed at a specific person to instill fear or apprehension. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for harassment, which now encompasses intimidation and credible threats, categorizing these offenses as misdemeanors with potential jail time of up to six months and fines up to $1,000.

Additionally, the bill outlines enhanced penalties for repeat offenders and those who violate protective orders. A second or subsequent conviction for harassment or stalking is classified as a felony, punishable by imprisonment for one to five years and fines ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. The legislation also includes provisions for individuals who harass or stalk with the intent to cause self-harm to the victim, which is treated as a felony with a minimum sentence of two years. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen legal protections against harassment and intimidation in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-2-9a