MISSOURI
565.225 - 1993. Crime of stalking--definitions--penalties.
1. As used in this section, the following terms shall mean:
(1) "Course of conduct", a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of "course of conduct". Such constitutionally protected activity includes picketing or other organized protests;
(2) "Credible threat", a threat made with the intent to cause the person who is the target of the threat to reasonably fear for his or her safety. The threat must be against the life of, or a threat to cause physical injury to, a person;
(3) "Harasses", to engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that serves no legitimate purpose, that would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and that actually causes substantial emotional distress to that person.
2. Any person who purposely and repeatedly harasses or follows with the intent of harassing another person commits the crime of stalking.
3. Any person who purposely and repeatedly harasses or follows with the intent of harassing or harasses another person, and makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear of death or serious physical injury, commits the crime of aggravated stalking.
4. The crime of stalking shall be a class A misdemeanor for the first offense. A second or subsequent offense within five years of a previous finding or plea of guilt against any victim shall be a class D felony.
5. The crime of aggravated stalking shall be a class D felony for the first offense. A second or subsequent offense within five years of a previous finding or plea of guilt against any victim shall be a class C felony.
6. Any law enforcement officer may arrest, without a warrant, any person he or she has probable cause to believe has violated the provisions of this section.
Legislative Update: SB 969, signed by Governor Bob Holden on July 10, 2002, broadens the state's stalking statute to include conduct and threats that are communicated through electronic means. The legislation creates a new first degree invasion of privacy crime and expands the definition of invasion of privacy in the second degree to include elements of video voyeurism.
Additionally, the law establishes the Missouri Regional Computer Forensics Lab to prevent and reduce computer, internet and other electronically based crimes.
