What is considered stalking?

Stalking in Massachusetts is defined under Massachusetts G.L. c. 265?43. The elements of the statute follow: whoever willfully and maliciously engages in a knowing pattern of conduct or series of acts over a period of time which seriously alarms or annoys that person and would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress makes a threat with the intent to place that person in imminent fear of death or bodily injury. The maximum penalty for a first offense is five years in state prison or 2 years in the house of correction and/or a fine of not more than $1000. A second and subsequent offense carries a maximum penalty of not more than 10 years in state prison.