Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 15, 1992 TAG: 9203160139
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DWAYNE YANCEY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Roanoke Valley legislators asked the governor last week to add an emergency clause that, if approved when the General Assembly reconvenes April 15, would make the bill become effective immediately instead of the standard July 1 starting date for new laws.
Wilder's chief of staff, Jay Shropshire, said the governor was aware of the situation in Roanoke and had ordered the routine legal review of the bill speeded up.
"We discussed it at length Friday," Shropshire said. "He finds the situation going on deplorable. He's fully cognizant of it."
Shropshire said the governor's lawyers are reviewing the bill over the weekend so Wilder can act soon on the request for the emergency clause. Come Monday, "He'll look right at it."
The bill would make it illegal for someone to engage more than once "in conduct with the intent to cause emotional distress to another person by placing that person in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury."
Del. Clifton Woodrum, D-Roanoke, who led Roanoke Valley legislators in asking for the emergency clause, said he believed the stalking bill would apply to the 37-year-old Roanoke County man who has been following city schoolchildren in the Raleigh Court neighborhood.
"I think it definitely would apply," said Woodrum, a lawyer.
The stalking bill was part of Attorney General Mary Sue Terry's crime package this session and grew out of her task force on domestic violence.
"I believe we are one of the leading states in initiating this type of legislation," Woodrum said. "California has one and maybe several other states. We are certainly ahead of the curve."
About the stalking bill
"Any person who on more than one occasion engages in conduct with the intent to cause emotional distress to another person by placing that person in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury shall be guilty . . . "
First offense: A misdemeanor. Punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Unless: If the offense takes place in violation of a court order prohibiting contact between the assailant and the victim, the offense is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Second offense, if within five years of the first conviction: A misdemeanor. Punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Third offense, if within five years of the second conviction: A felony. Punishable by up to five years in prison.
The bill was recommended by Attorney General Mary Sue Terry and co-sponsored by Del. Glenn Croshaw, D-Virginia Beach, and state Sen. Charles Colgan, D-Manassas. It has been passed by the General Assembly and awaits Gov. Douglas Wilder's signature.
Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
by CNB