My question involves criminal law for the state of: CA
OK, I already know the first answer: get a lawyer.
Here are the details:
I have been "stalked" by a competitor in my industry for well over a year now. Lots of innuendo through various channels about harm coming to me, comments about my family etc. and at least one incident of verbal harassment. Pictures of me photoshopped into various compromising positions, or made to look like I was beaten and bruised. Bottom line, I have felt threatened, feel threatened by this individual. There is more than enough evidence to substantiate this.
Recently, the individual came within very close proximity to me at a business event. He had a camera with him and at one point when my back was turned he began surreptitiously taking pictures of me - from the angle of the camera, they would have been of my butt.
I approached the individual asking him what was he doing. He moved toward me and raised the camera toward my face - which alarmed me - and began taking pictures of my face at close range. Using the tips of my fingers, I gently pushed him away to created some distance. This was a defensive move. He stood his ground and continued to take pictures of me and at that point I put my hand on the camera lens, again as a defensive measure.
While the contact was brief, gentle and caused no physical harm nor any damage to the camera (other than a finger on the lens), it was contact.
I am concerned as now this individual has sent emails threatening unspecific legal action, citing physical assault and damage of property. The individual has also posted such claims on public newsgroups. It is obvious that he intends to embellish the incident and use it to tarnish my name and/or get a settlement of some sort should the matter become a civil one.
Please do not insult my intelligence by telling me to get a lawyer. I will when the time is appropriate. Until that time I am looking to get some opinions on what the possibilities are as far as courses of action this individual might take and what I should do to protect myself, ie: I consider this individual's actions as threatening in nature. Should I file an assault complaint with the authorities? I am not a US resident, but travel to the US frequently.
Thanks in advance.![]()

