What constitutes aggravated stalking?

• A. Stalking only
• B. Stalking with prior conviction
• C. Stalking in the presence of police
• D. Stalking plus a credible threat made

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that aggravated stalking adds a threat component to the stalk­ing behavior. Stalking by itself involves persistent following or harassment, but when a credible threat is made, the situation becomes much more dangerous and carries harsher penalties. A credible threat is one a reasonable person would take seriously—specific and directed toward the victim or their family, indicating real intent to cause harm or fear. That combination—stalking plus a believable threat—is what elevates the offense to aggravated stalking.

Mere stalking with a prior conviction or any other circumstance listed in the wrong choices doesn’t capture that decisive element of a credible threat shaping the seriousness of the crime.