What criminal sanction does an individual face for aggravated stalking?

Aggravated stalking is considered a serious offense that typically involves repeated patterns of harassment or threats that instill fear or cause significant emotional distress to the victim. In Georgia, the criminal penalties for aggravated stalking reflect the severity of this behavior. The correct answer indicates that an individual can face a sentence of 1 to 10 years in prison.

This range serves both as a deterrent to future offenses and as a means to protect victims from individuals who may pose ongoing threats to their safety. The longer potential sentence recognizes the gravity of circumstances where the stalker may have a history of violence, possess weapons, or have violated protective orders.

The other options, such as merely a fine or community service, do not adequately represent the seriousness of aggravated stalking. Fines may be imposed for lesser offenses, but they do not align with the legal repercussions associated with aggravated stalking, which is treated as a felony, rather than a misdemeanor, under Georgia law. Community service, while a potential consequence for certain offenses, is not a typical sanction for aggravated stalking due to the nature of the crime and the substantial harm that it can cause to individuals.