Which offense is a misdemeanor (Class B) involving intentionally and repeatedly following, harassing, or verbally or electronically communicating with another person with an improper purpose, causing mental or emotional harm or fear, after being told to stop?

• A. Stalking (2nd Degree)
• B. Sexual Abuse (2nd Degree)
• C. Domestic Violence (1st Degree)
• D. Sexual Misconduct

Answer: (A)

The main concept is stalking as a Class B misdemeanor defined by intentional, repeated following, harassing, or communicating with another person for an improper purpose that causes mental or emotional harm or fear, after being told to stop. The key elements are purposeful conduct (not accidental), repetition (more than one incident), a motive or improper purpose (to cause fear or distress), and a result of fear or emotional harm. The element that the conduct continues after the other person has asked you to stop is crucial: once a stop demand is made and ignored, the behavior fits the statute for this level of offense. Because electronic or verbal communication and persistent pursuit are included, the conduct need not involve physical contact to satisfy stalking, provided these elements are met.

Other offenses describe different harms. Sexual abuse involves sexual contact or exploitation rather than stalking behavior; domestic violence 1st degree typically involves more severe harm or weaponized threats within a domestic context; sexual misconduct covers inappropriate sexual behavior but does not capture the stalking pattern and stop-removal requirement.