What penalty does harassment of a public servant fall under?

Harassment of a public servant is classified as a third-degree felony. This classification reflects the seriousness of the offense, particularly because it targets individuals engaged in public service, thereby undermining their ability to perform their duties and maintain public safety. The law recognizes that acts of harassment against public servants can inhibit their functions and pose risks to the community, hence the escalation in severity from lower penalties.

A third-degree felony can result in significant penalties, including substantial prison time and fines, which serves to deter similar offenses and affirm the importance of the roles public servants play. Understanding this classification can help reinforce the idea that society values the protection of those serving the public, thus imposing stricter consequences for offenses against them.