Prosecution and Sentencing for Cases of Stalking

• In Event: Victimology from a System Perspective: What Victims Want and How the System Operates

Abstract

Stalking cases reported by law enforcement in Harris County, Texas, during a five-year period are examined. The study was predicated on grounded research. First, all police reports during the period were examined. Characteristics of offenders, victims, and events, including salient variables were coded. Salient variables emerged as law enforcement records, including arrests and charges for prior offenses, were examined. Prosecution decisions for each case were examined. Five distinct final outcomes emerged: no bill, dismissal, deferred adjudication, probation, incarceration, or a verdict of not guilty. Descriptive findings are presented. A summary overview of the nature of stalking cases filed in Harris County is presented. Multi-variate analysis was used to identify variables which predicted sentencing outcome.

Authors

• Raymond H. C. Teske, Sam Houston State University

• Beatriz Gonzalez, Sam Houston State University