Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term: “Any device” means electronic, mechanical, digital or any other equipment, including: a camera, spycam, computer, spyware, microphone, audio or video recorder, global positioning system, electronic monitoring system, listening device, night-vision goggles, binoculars, telescope, or spyglass. “Any means” includes the use of a telephone, mail, delivery service, e-mail, website, or other method of communication or any device. “Communicating” means using oral or written language, photographs, pictures, signs, symbols, gestures, or other acts or objects that are intended to convey a message. “Emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or distress that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling; “Financial injury” means the monetary costs, debts, or obligations incurred as a result of the stalking by the specific individual, member of the specific individual’s household, a person whose safety is threatened by the stalking, or a person who is financially responsible for the specific individual and includes: The costs of replacing or repairing any property that was taken or damaged; The costs of clearing the specific individual’s name or his or her credit, criminal, or any other official record; Medical bills; Relocation expenses; Lost employment or wages; and Attorney’s fees. “Personal identifying information” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 22-3227.01(3). “Specific individual” or “individual” means the victim or alleged victim of stalking. “To engage in a course of conduct” means directly or indirectly, or through one or more third persons, in person or by any means, on 2 or more occasions, to: Follow, monitor, place under surveillance, threaten, or communicate to or about another individual; Interfere with, damage, take, or unlawfully enter an individual’s real or personal property or threaten or attempt to do so; or Use another individual’s personal identifying information.
Annotations
Dec. 10, 2009, D.C. Law 18-88, § 502, 56 DCR 7413 For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 502 of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-227, October 21, 2009, 56 DCR 8668). For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 502 of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-181, August 6, 2009, 56 DCR 6903). This section is referenced in § 22-951.
Sourced from the DC Council Open Law Library (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.