Cheyenne, Wyoming – A 39-Year-Old Cheyenne Resident, Shawna Renia Lemke, Is Currently Facing Serious Legal Consequences Following Her Arrest On Friday, September 26th. She Is Accused Of Engaging In Stalking Behavior And Violating An Existing Protection Order.
Details Of The Arrest And Charges
Table of Contents
- 1. Details Of The Arrest And Charges
- 2. Court Proceedings And Concerns Regarding Public Safety
- 3. Key Facts Summarized
- 4. Understanding Protection Orders And Stalking Laws
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About Stalking And Protection Orders
- 6. What constitutes a “pattern of conduct” under Wyoming Statute 6-2-901 to qualify as stalking?
- 7. Cheyenne Woman Faces Multiple Charges for Stalking and Violating Protection Orders
- 8. Understanding the Charges: Stalking and Protection Order Violations
- 9. Defining Stalking in Wyoming
- 10. Protection Orders: A Legal Shield
- 11. Consequences of Violating a Protection Order
- 12. The Cheyenne Case: Details and Allegations
- 13. The Role of Evidence in Stalking Cases
- 14. Resources for Victims of Stalking and Domestic Violence
Police Took Lemke Into Custody At Approximately 6:19 P.M. On Dillon Avenue And West Lincolnway. She Was Later Booked into The Laramie County Detention Center. The Charges Filed Against Her Include A Felony Count Of Stalking – Violation Of A Protection Order, Which Carries A Potential Sentence Of Up To Ten Years In Prison, And A Misdemeanor charge Of Violating A Protection Order, Punishable By Up To Six Months In Jail And A $750 Fine.
Court Proceedings And Concerns Regarding Public Safety
Lemke Appeared In Laramie County Circuit Court On Tuesday, September 30th, Before Judge antoinette williams. during The Hearing, A Public Defender Was Appointed To Represent Her, and A Preliminary Hearing Was Scheduled For Friday, October 10th, At 9:00 A.M. The Prosecution Expressed Concerns Regarding Lemke’s History Of Failing To Appear In Court And A Recent Pattern Of Substance Abuse, Including Prior Dui And Public Intoxication Arrests Dating Back To 2013, As Well As Past Possession Of Controlled Substances.
The State advocated For A $5,000 Cash Bond, citing The Risk She poses To The Victim, Given The Existing Protective Order And Alleged Willful Violation. Judge Williams agreed With The Prosecution’s Proposal And set The Bond Accordingly. The Following Day, october 1st, Lemke Faced An Additional Charge Related To Another Alleged Violation Of A Protection Order On Or About September 25th.
The Prosecution Emphasized Lemke’s Pattern Of Disregarding Court Orders And Expressed Concern For The Victim’s Safety, Requesting An Additional $1,000 Cash bond, Which Was Also Granted By Judge Williams. Her Arraignment Is Set To Be Held Concurrently With The Preliminary Hearing.
Key Facts Summarized
| Charge | Severity | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Stalking – Violation of Protection Order | Felony | Up to 10 years in prison |
| Violation of protection Order | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months jail & $750 fine |
| Bond (Initial) | Cash | $5,000 |
| Bond (Additional) | Cash | $1,000 |
did You Know? Wyoming Has Specific Laws Regarding Stalking, Recognizing The Severe Emotional And Psychological Harm It Can Cause Victims. These Laws Aim To Protect Individuals From Harassment And Intimidation.
It Is Crucial To Remember That All Defendants Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty In A Court Of Law.
Understanding Protection Orders And Stalking Laws
Protection Orders, Also Known As Restraining Orders, Are Legal Instruments Issued By Courts To Protect Individuals From Harassment, Abuse, Or Threats. Violating A Protection Order Is A Serious Offence With Important Legal Consequences. According To The National Network To End Domestic Violence,One In Four Women And one In Seven Men Experience Severe Physical Violence By An Intimate Partner In Their Lifetime.These statistics Highlight The Importance Of protection Orders And Effective Enforcement Of Stalking Laws.
Stalking,Defined As A Pattern Of Repeated And Unwanted Attention,Harassment,Contact,Or Any Other Course Of Conduct Directed At A Specific Person,Is A Crime In All 50 States. The Impact Of Stalking Can Be Devastating, Leading To Fear, Anxiety, And Emotional Distress For Victims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stalking And Protection Orders
- What constitutes stalking in Wyoming? Stalking involves a pattern of behavior that causes a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others.
- What is a protection order and how does it work? A protection order is a court order that prohibits a person from contacting or approaching another person.
- What are the penalties for violating a protection order? Penalties can include jail time, fines, and a criminal record.
- How can victims of stalking obtain a protection order? Victims can petition the court for a protection order, providing evidence of the stalking behavior.
- What resources are available for stalking victims in Wyoming? The Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Violence offers support and resources to victims of stalking.
- Is there a difference between harassment and stalking? While both involve unwanted behavior,stalking typically involves a pattern of behavior that creates fear.
- What should I do if I believe I am being stalked? Contact law enforcement immediately and document all instances of the stalking behavior.
What are yoru thoughts on the severity of stalking laws? Do you believe they adequately protect potential victims? Share your comments below!
What constitutes a “pattern of conduct” under Wyoming Statute 6-2-901 to qualify as stalking?
Cheyenne Woman Faces Multiple Charges for Stalking and Violating Protection Orders
Understanding the Charges: Stalking and Protection Order Violations
A Cheyenne, Wyoming woman is currently facing a series of charges related to alleged stalking behavior and repeated violations of existing protection orders. These charges highlight the seriousness of stalking crimes and the legal ramifications of disregarding court-ordered protections. The case underscores the importance of understanding Wyoming stalking laws and the resources available to victims of harassment and domestic violence.
Defining Stalking in Wyoming
Wyoming Statute 6-2-901 defines stalking as a pattern of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others. This conduct can include, but isn’t limited to:
* Following another person.
* Approaching another person in a public place or on their property.
* Contacting another person directly or indirectly, including through third parties.
* Sending unwanted gifts or communications.
* Cyberstalking – utilizing electronic dialog to harass or threaten.
* Surveillance, whether physical or electronic.
The key element is a pattern of behavior, meaning a single incident is usually insufficient to constitute stalking. The conduct must be such that it would cause a reasonable person to experience fear or emotional distress. Criminal harassment often overlaps with stalking, and charges can be filed under either statute depending on the specifics of the case.
Protection Orders: A Legal Shield
Protection orders (also known as restraining orders) are court orders designed to protect individuals from harm. They typically prohibit the alleged abuser from:
* contacting the protected person.
* Coming within a certain distance of the protected person’s home, work, or school.
* Possessing firearms.
Violating a protection order is a separate criminal offense, even if the underlying conduct wouldn’t otherwise be illegal. Protection order violations carry important penalties, including jail time and fines.In Wyoming, violating a protection order is considered a misdemeanor, but repeated violations can escalate to felony charges.
Consequences of Violating a Protection Order
The penalties for violating a protection order in Wyoming can include:
- Jail Time: Up to six months in jail for a first offense.
- Fines: Substantial fines, potentially reaching thousands of dollars.
- Extended Protection Order: the court may extend the duration of the existing protection order.
- Felony Charges: Repeated violations can lead to felony charges, resulting in more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences.
- Loss of Rights: A conviction may impact the individual’s rights, such as the ability to own firearms.
The Cheyenne Case: Details and Allegations
While specific details of the Cheyenne case are subject to ongoing legal proceedings and privacy concerns, reports indicate the woman is accused of repeatedly contacting the alleged victim despite a valid protection order being in place. Allegations also include instances of following the victim and engaging in behaviors that caused them to fear for their safety. The charges filed include multiple counts of stalking, violation of a protection order, and potentially cyberstalking if electronic communication was involved.
The Role of Evidence in Stalking Cases
Triumphant prosecution of stalking and protection order violation cases relies heavily on evidence. This evidence can include:
* Witness Testimony: Statements from individuals who observed the alleged stalking behavior.
* Communication Records: Emails, text messages, voicemails, and social media posts.
* Surveillance Footage: Video recordings from security cameras or other sources.
* Police Reports: Documentation of any prior incidents or complaints.
* medical Records: Evidence of emotional distress or physical harm suffered by the victim.
* Digital Forensics: Analysis of electronic devices to uncover evidence of cyberstalking.
Resources for Victims of Stalking and Domestic Violence
If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking or domestic violence,several resources are available:
* Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual assault (WCADVSA): 1-800-442-5906 – https://wcadvsa.org/
* National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) – https://www.thehotline.org/
* VictimConnect Resource Center: 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846) – https://victimconnect.org/
* Local Law Enforcement: Contact your local police department or sheriff’
