Harassment in Olympia

In Washington state, harassment is a complex allegation often arising from misunderstandings or miscommunications. In our twenty years of harassment defense, many of our clients don't fully understand how things escalated to the point of a criminal charge. The law itself also leaves room for subjective interpretation. What one person perceives as harassment may be completely different from another person's view. Unfortunately, this subjectivity can lead to charges even when there is no malicious intent involved.

Our Olympia harassment attorneys understand these legal nuances and know how to use them to build a strong defense on your behalf. We'll carefully examine the details of your case to identify areas where law enforcement or the prosecution is misapplying the law or where they may have misunderstood your actions. With our in-depth knowledge of harassment laws and experience in Thurston County Courts, we can help you challenge accusations and protect your rights.

How We Defend Against Harassment Charges

If law enforcement has charged you with harassment in Washington state, we will consider several defenses to minimize charges and penalties, including:

• Lack Of Intent: Our Olympia attorneys specializing in harassment defense can argue that the actions were not intended to harass or intimidate but were rather misinterpreted or accidental.
• First Amendment Rights: If the communication was protected speech, such as expressing an opinion or criticizing someone, we may build your defense off the First Amendment.
• No Threat Of Harm: If your alleged behaviors caused no genuine threat or fear of harm, our defense lawyers could argue that the evidence does not meet the elements of harassment.
• Mutual Conflict: We can demonstrate that the alleged harassment was part of an ongoing mutual conflict or that the victim initiated the communication.
• Lack Of Evidence: Our legal harassment defense experts will determine the sufficiency of the prosecution's evidence.
• False Accusations: We'll argue that the victim fabricated or exaggerated the claims, possibly for personal gain or due to a misunderstanding.
• Consent Or Permission: In some cases, we may demonstrate that the alleged victim consented to or did not object to the actions in question.

Because each harassment case is unique, our Thurston County harassment defense lawyers will review the specifics of yours and determine the most suitable defense strategy for a favorable outcome.

What Should I Do If I Face Harassment Charges In Olympia?

If you're facing harassment charges in Olympia, you must act fast. The sooner you take action, the more legal options you have to defend yourself. Here is what our harassment defense attorneys recommend doing if you face charges:

1. Avoid Further Contact: Do not engage in any further communication or confrontation with the accuser. Continuing any form of contact can make the situation worse and could be used against you in this case.
2. Contact Our Experienced Olympia Harassment Defense Attorneys: Our criminal defense attorneys specialize in harassment cases. We are well-versed in Washington state harassment laws, defenses against harassment, and your rights when facing harassment charges.
3. Document Everything: Write down all relevant details about the incident(s), including your interactions with the accuser, time, and place.
4. Collect Evidence Of Your Innocence: Gather any evidence that might support your side of the story. Collect text messages, emails, social media exchanges, or witness statements that contradict the harassment claim.
5. Do Not Discuss The Case: Avoid talking about the case with friends, family, or on social media. Anything you say could be misinterpreted and used against you. Let your attorney handle all communication regarding the case.
6. Comply with Any Temporary Orders: If a no-contact order or protection order is issued, follow it strictly. Violating Thurston County Court orders can lead to additional charges or complications in your case.

If you're unsure of what to do, ask our Olympia harassment defense attorneys. We're here to advise you at every step of the legal process.

What Are My Rights If I Am Accused Of Harassment In Olympia?

If you face harassment accusations in Olympia, you must know your rights to protect yourself during the legal process. According to Washington state and federal law, you have:

• The Right To Remain Silent: You do not have to answer questions from law enforcement.
• The Right To Legal Representation: You have the right to retain an attorney.
• The Right To Due Process: You have the right to a fair legal process.
• The Right To Challenge Evidence: You have the right to challenge the prosecution's evidence.
• The Right To Be Free From Self-Incrimination: You are not required to testify against yourself, and if you do, the prosecution can cross-examine you.
• The Right To Protection From Unlawful Searches: You have the right to a warrant or sufficient case before law enforcement searches your property.

Our Olympia harassment accusation defense attorneys know how to protect your rights at every step.

Our Olympia Defense Attorneys Help Beat Harassment Charges

We are local to Olympia, so you'll see us around town at places like Heritage Park and Percival Landing, as well as events such as the Olympia Farmers Market or the Lakefair Festival. We also enjoy spots like The Vault for a great meal and Labor Temple for a night out. Whether it's grabbing a coffee at Batdorf & Bronson or enjoying the natural beauty of Olympia's waterfront, we are part of this community. Because we know our town and its people, we know how to challenge cases in Thurston County courts.

For 20 years, our attorneys have challenged harassment cases in Thurston County courts. We know the local judges, prosecutors, and local procedural rules and what defenses work for the Thurston County judges. Whether it's disputing evidence or showing a lack of intent, we work for a swift and favorable outcome for your case. Call us today for a free consultation. We'll review your case, explain your legal options, and make a plan to protect your finances, freedom, and future.

Harassment can take on many different forms which can range from a gross misdemeanor all the way up to a class C felony. With a conviction, you are facing jail, fines, no-contact orders, and more! If you are being accused of harassment, contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and begin preparing a defense.

The standard form of harassment is when a person unlawfully threatens to cause bodily injury, property damage, or to physically restrain another person. This threat can be made either by spoke words or simply by the person’s conduct. This type of harassment is a gross misdemeanor which comes with a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. This can rise to a class C felony if you have a prior conviction of harassment against the same person or their family, or you threatened to kill the person.

If you harass someone because of their perceived race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, or a physical, mental, or sensory handicap, then you could be charged with malicious harassment. This form of harassment is a class C felony which means the maximum penalty is 5 years in prison and a$10,000 fine.

If the harassment was done over the phone, then you can be charged with telephone harassment which is typically charged as a gross misdemeanor. Telephone harassment includes calls with the intent to harass, intimidate, torment, or embarrass the individual. For example, this can be done by using profane or lewd language, by calling at all hours of the night, or by calling repeatedly and incessantly.

If you are facing a harassment charge, give our office a call. We will be more than happy to discuss with you your current situation and answer your questions.