Stalking Laws in Oregon (2026): Your Safety, Your Rights

Stalking is scary. It can happen to anyone. And a lot of people don’t realize how serious Oregon law takes it.

Whether you’re trying to protect yourself or just want to understand the rules, this guide breaks it all down. Simple, clear, and no legal jargon.

What Is Stalking in Oregon?

Stalking isn’t just following someone around. It’s a pattern of behavior that makes another person afraid for their safety.

Under Oregon law (ORS 163.732), stalking happens when someone knowingly alarms or coerces another person through repeated, unwanted contact. The key word here is “repeated.” Oregon law requires at least two separate incidents. One bad encounter usually isn’t enough to qualify as stalking under the criminal statute.

Pretty straightforward, right? But there’s more to it.

The law also requires that the contact would make a reasonable person feel afraid. It’s not just about how the victim feels. It also has to be something that most people in that same situation would also find alarming or threatening.

What Counts as Unwanted Contact?

This is where a lot of people get confused. Contact doesn’t mean just showing up somewhere.

Oregon law covers a wide range of behaviors. Following someone is contact. Showing up at their home or job is contact. Sending repeated texts, emails, or phone calls counts too. So does showing up repeatedly in places where the person is likely to be.

Wait, it gets more specific. Online behavior counts as well. Sending threatening or harassing messages through social media or apps can qualify as contact. Cyberstalking falls under these same laws, and Oregon courts have recognized electronic harassment as a form of unwanted contact.

The contact can also be indirect. Having a friend follow someone on your behalf, or sending messages through another person, can still count as stalking under Oregon law.

Basic Stalking Laws in Oregon

The Three-Part Test

Wondering how prosecutors decide if something is legally stalking? They have to prove three things.

First, the person must have knowingly contacted the victim in a way that alarmed or coerced them. Second, a reasonable person in the same situation would also have been alarmed. Third, the contact caused the victim to fear for their personal safety or the safety of their household.

All three parts have to be proven. If even one piece is missing, the charge may not hold up in court.

Who Can Be a Stalker Under Oregon Law?

Honestly, this one surprises people. The stalker doesn’t have to be a stranger.

Read About: Raffle Laws in Oregon (2026): Rules Every Organizer Must Follow

Oregon’s stalking law covers anyone. An ex-partner, a coworker, a neighbor, a classmate, or even a family member can be charged with stalking. The relationship between the two people doesn’t change whether the behavior is illegal.

Also, the stalker doesn’t need to be physically near the victim. Repeated phone calls or threatening messages from across the country can still be stalking.

Stalking Protective Orders (SPOs)

Okay, this part is important.

Oregon gives victims a powerful legal tool called a Stalking Protective Order, or SPO. This is a court order that tells the person stalking you to stop all contact. It can require them to stay away from your home, workplace, and school.

To qualify for an SPO, you need to show that the other person contacted you at least twice in the past two years. You also need to show that they knew, or had good reason to know, the contact was unwanted. And you need to show that the contact made you feel afraid.

You apply for an SPO by filing a petition at your local Circuit Court. You’ll meet with a judge, often the very next business day. The judge can issue a temporary order right away to protect you while the full process plays out.

A friend asked me about this process once. She thought it would take weeks. It actually moved faster than she expected. Don’t wait if you’re in danger.

Who Can Apply?

You don’t have to be an adult to get an SPO. If you’re under 18, an adult can file on your behalf. The SPO can also protect your children. It can require the other person to stay away from your kids’ school or home.

SPOs are free to file. You don’t need a lawyer, though one can help.

Penalties and Consequences

Now, here’s where things get serious.

First-Time Stalking Conviction

A first stalking offense in Oregon is a Class A misdemeanor. That’s punishable by up to one year in jail. You could also face fines of up to $6,250.

Think of it like a serious traffic offense but with possible jail time attached. It’s not something to brush off.

Repeat Offenses and Felony Charges

Here’s where the stakes go way up.

If you’ve been previously convicted of stalking, or if you’ve violated a stalking protective order before, the charge jumps to a Class C felony. That means up to five years in prison and fines of up to $125,000.

That’s not a small number. $125,000 is a life-changing amount. And five years in prison? That changes everything.

Violating a Stalking Protective Order

Violating an SPO is its own crime. Breaking the order once is a Class A misdemeanor. Same penalties as first-time stalking: up to one year in jail and fines up to $6,250.

Read About: Boat Laws in Oregon (2026): Rules Every Boater Must Know

But break it again with a prior conviction? It becomes a Class C felony. Up to five years in prison and up to $125,000 in fines.

Law enforcement can arrest you on the spot if they have reason to believe you violated an SPO. No waiting, no warning. Mandatory arrest rules apply.

Special Circumstances

Most people assume stalking laws only apply in extreme situations. They find out the hard way that’s not true. Don’t be one of them.

When It Becomes a Felony Faster

A first stalking charge can jump to a felony in certain situations. If the victim is under 18 years old, the charges can be elevated. If the stalking involves a deadly weapon or credible threats of violence, prosecutors may also seek felony charges right away.

Basically, if you’re targeting a child or using threats of physical harm, you’re looking at felony territory from the start.

Cyberstalking and Electronic Harassment

Oregon law specifically addresses electronic harassment. Under ORS 166.065, repeated electronic harassment is a crime. Sending threatening messages through email, apps, or social media falls under this statute.

Oregon courts have also recognized that online behavior counts as contact for stalking purposes. So no, hiding behind a screen doesn’t protect you from stalking charges.

Labor Activities Are Exempt

This one’s specific but worth mentioning. Conduct that is authorized or protected under labor laws is exempt from Oregon’s stalking statutes. Picketing and certain union activities, for example, fall outside the reach of these laws even if they involve repeated contact.

How to Get a Stalking Protective Order

You’re not alone in this. Lots of people don’t know where to start. Here’s what you do.

Go to the Circuit Court in your county. You’ll fill out a petition form that describes each incident of unwanted contact. Be specific. Include dates, what happened, and how it made you feel.

After you file, you’ll be scheduled to speak with a judge, usually the next business day. The judge can grant a temporary SPO right away. The order will then be served on the person stalking you by the county sheriff.

Once they’ve been served, the order is in effect. Violations must be reported to law enforcement immediately.

Document Everything

Okay, pause. This step matters a lot.

Save all texts and emails. Screenshot social media messages. Write down dates and descriptions of every incident. This documentation makes your petition stronger and helps police if you need to report a violation later.

What If the Order Is Violated?

Call 911. Oregon law requires police to make an arrest when there is probable cause to believe a stalking protective order has been violated. You don’t need to convince them. Show them the order and report what happened.

Read About: Private Road Laws in Oregon (2026): Your Rights, Your Road

How to Report Stalking in Oregon

If you’re being stalked and there’s no order in place yet, you still have options. Call your local police department and file a report. Be as detailed as possible.

You can also call the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence at 503-230-1951. They can help connect you with local resources, safety planning, and legal help.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233. They help with stalking situations too, not just domestic violence.

If you need help filling out court forms, Oregon Law Help at oregonlawhelp.org has free guides and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does one incident count as stalking in Oregon?

Usually not. Oregon law requires at least two separate incidents of unwanted contact within the past two years to qualify for a stalking protective order or criminal charge.

Can I get a stalking order against someone I know personally?

Yes. You can get an SPO against anyone stalking you, including an ex-partner, neighbor, coworker, or family member.

Does online harassment count as stalking in Oregon?

Yes. Repeated unwanted contact through text, email, social media, or apps can qualify as stalking or electronic harassment under Oregon law.

What happens if I violate a stalking protective order?

You can be arrested immediately. A first violation is a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail. A repeat violation is a Class C felony with up to five years in prison.

Can a minor get a stalking protective order in Oregon?

Yes. An adult, such as a parent or guardian, can file on behalf of someone under 18. Stalking a minor can also result in felony charges for the offender.

How long does a stalking protective order last in Oregon?

Stalking protective orders in Oregon can last indefinitely. They remain in effect until a court terminates them.

Is filing for a stalking protective order free?

Yes. There is no filing fee for a stalking protective order in Oregon.

Final Thoughts

Oregon takes stalking seriously. The laws protect victims, and the penalties for offenders are real. Up to five years in prison and $125,000 in fines is no joke.

If you’re being stalked, document everything and get to your local Circuit Court. Help is available and faster than most people think. If you’re unsure whether what’s happening to you qualifies, talk to a lawyer or call a local advocacy organization.

Stay safe, know your rights, and don’t wait.