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What are the nj definitions for harassment and stalking?

New Jersey definitions

Harassment. A person commits harassment—a petty disorderly persons offense—if, with purpose to harass another, the person:

  • makes or causes a communication anonymously, at extremely inconvenient hours, in offensively coarse language, or in another manner likely to cause annoyance or alarm;
  • subjects another to striking, kicking, shoving, or other offensive touching, or threatens to do so; or
  • engages in another course of alarming conduct or repeatedly committed acts with purpose to alarm or seriously annoy that person.[2]

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:33-4

Stalking. A person commits stalking—a crime of the fourth degree—if the person purposefully or knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of a third person, or to suffer other emotional distress.[1]

A course of conduct includes repeatedly (meaning on two or more occasions) maintaining visual or physical proximity; following, monitoring, observing, surveilling, threatening, or communicating to or about someone; interfering with someone’s property; repeatedly committing harassment; or repeatedly conveying threats.[1] “Emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or distress.[1]

Stalking is a third-degree crime in specified circumstances, including when committed in violation of an existing court order prohibiting the behavior, or as a second or subsequent offense against the same victim.[1]

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:12-10

Sources & References

  1. New Jersey Revised Statutes § 2C:12-10 (2025)
  2. N.J.S.A. § 2C:33-4

Related Questions

What evidence can establish the purpose to harass required for a New Jersey harassment charge?What defenses may apply to a New Jersey stalking charge, and how does a court assess emotional distress?