Stalking in Arlington County

Stalking cases in Arlington County result in dismissals at a rate slightly lower than Virginia's statewide average, with 60 percent of the 34 cases dismissed compared to 65.5 percent statewide. This 5.5 percentage point gap suggests Arlington County prosecutors or judges may pursue these cases somewhat more aggressively than the state norm, though dismissal remains the most common outcome. Convictions occurred in 32 percent of cases, matching the plea rate exactly, while acquittals were rare at 8 percent.

Cases moved relatively quickly through Arlington County courts, with a median disposition time of 105 days. The middle 50 percent of cases resolved between 69 and 359 days, indicating variability in case complexity or court schedules. Charge reductions occurred in fewer than 3 percent of cases, and when they did happen, they consistently moved to trespass-related charges. Defendants who were convicted faced substantial penalties: the median sentence was 365 days, though average sentences stretched to 311 days, reflecting variation in case severity and judicial discretion.