As of November 1, 2023, most juveniles will no longer have to register as a sex offender and be eligible to seal their convictions. Law enforcement will start removing eligible people from the registry soon and mailing letters confirming they have been removed. If you receive a letter indicating that you have been removed from the registry, please contact our office for a free consultation to determine if you are eligible to seal your offense.

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What might lead a youth to exhibit stalking behaviors?

On Behalf of | Jun 11, 2022 | Criminal Defense |

The average teenager might not fully grasp how their actions, and decisions could affect others around them. In some cases, youthful individuals might even joke about terms such as stalking or feel that following or closely monitoring another person does little harm, but such issues could make this person feel unsafe. Allegations of stalking may lead to juvenile charges, and parents in Washington who encounter similar issues may be left in search of advice on their options and the next steps to take to safeguard their child’s future.

Juvenile stalking

Studies indicate that stalking behaviors can take on various forms, whether it involves following another person constantly or frequently attempting to contact this party via phone calls or texts. Parents who wish to address such matters might find it helpful to know the types of issues that might increase the chances their kids may exhibit such behavior. One of the most common factors in stalking may pertain to the presence of rejection, as those who struggle to accept rejection may be left in search of ways to win over the other party’s affection.

Sometimes, youthful individuals may even follow or monitor a person they have never even met, and they might feel that their actions could help garner the attention of this party. Most teenagers might not even understand how their behavior could affect others, and they might not grasp the harm stalking may inflict. Unfortunately, stalking remains a major concern, and such behaviors could leave a youth facing severe repercussions.

Youthful offenders

Parents of youthful individuals who face stalking charges and wish to know more about their available options and legal rights could benefit from retaining the services of an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney in Washington can evaluate the situation a client is facing and provide him or her with advice in making informed decisions about the case. By speaking with an attorney, a client could obtain much needed advice in taking steps to address the issues at hand and create a strategy with which to seek the best outcome possible regarding his or her child’s future through the proper channels.