Harassment in Seattle

Harassment is clearly defined under Washington state law, but the application of the law in the courts can be very unclear. Many harassment cases are just one person's word against another, so the burden of proof is very tenuous.

With over 20 years of experience defending clients in Western Washington, our compassionate Seattle attorneys know how to challenge harassment claims. We take a focused approach to defending harassment charges by carefully scrutinizing the allegations against you. Our Seattle attorneys look for inconsistencies in the accuser's statements and challenge whether the alleged behavior truly meets the legal definition of harassment. We also assess whether any context, such as prior interactions or misunderstandings, could explain the situation. With harassment charges often relying on one person's word against another's, we aggressively challenge the prosecution's evidence to cast doubt on their claims. Our goal is to show that the alleged conduct does not meet the threshold for harassment under Washington state law.

The potential penalties for harassment are heavy and include fines, restraining orders, and jail time. This is why you need a Seattle harassment defense attorney who not only grasps the legal framework but can also effectively articulate and defend your side of the story. Our Seattle legal firm specializes in harassment defense. We challenge the prosecution's claims, scrutinize evidence, and present a compelling counter-narrative.

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

If you are accused of harassment in Seattle, you must understand your rights so you can protect yourself during the legal process. Here are the key rights you have when facing harassment charges:

• The Right To Remain Silent: You have the right to not answer any questions from law enforcement or the accuser. Anything you say can be used against you, so it's wise to consult an attorney before making any statements.
• The Right To Legal Representation: You have the right to an attorney. If you are facing harassment charges, it's important to hire an experienced Seattle criminal defense lawyer to advise you and represent you throughout the process.
• The Right To Due Process: You are entitled to a fair legal process. You have a right to be informed of the charges against you, the opportunity to present a defense, and a trial by an impartial judge or jury, if applicable.
• The Right To Challenge Evidence: You have the right to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.
• The Right To Be Free from Self-Incrimination: You do not have to testify against yourself. If you choose to testify, you can be cross-examined by the prosecution. It is often in your best interest to speak with an attorney before deciding to testify.
• The Right To Be Free From Unlawful Search And Seizure: Seattle law enforcement must have a valid legal reason or a search warrant to seize evidence from you or your property. If your rights were violated during the investigation, your Seattle defense attorney can challenge the legality of the collected evidence.

Our experienced harassment defense attorneys in Seattle will protect your rights throughout the legal process.

What Is Considered Harassment Under Washington State Law?

Under RCW 9A.46.020, harassment in Washington state is a pattern of behavior where you intend to intimidate, annoy, or alarm another person. Specifically, it occurs when you are:

• Threatening violence or harm in a way that causes fear
• Making repeated phone calls or sending text messages or emails meant to intimidate, disturb, or annoy
• Following someone around, whether in person or through social media, in a manner that causes distress
• Spreading lies to damage someone's reputation or cause them emotional distress

King County Courts can convict harassment as a misdemeanor or a felony, and both have serious penalties. If you are facing harassment charges, the penalties will be steep. You need an experienced harassment defense attorney who will fight to protect your rights.

What Is The Difference Between Harassment And Free Speech?

There is a big difference between harassment and free speech. Harassment involves a pattern of behavior meant to intimidate, annoy, or alarm someone, often causing the victim to fear for their safety or well-being. It typically includes threats, repeated unwanted contact, or actions that go beyond normal social interaction. On the other hand, free speech is protected under the First Amendment. The First Amendment protects individuals who express opinions, beliefs, or ideas from government restriction. However, free speech does not protect speech that crosses the line into harassment, such as threats of violence or speech that incites harm. In Washington state, harassment can result in criminal charges if the behavior meets the legal definition. In contrast, free speech remains protected as long as it does not cause harm or violate others' rights.

What Evidence Is Needed To Prove Harassment In Seattle?

The prosecution must present evidence that shows a pattern of behavior intended to intimidate, annoy, or alarm the victim to prove harassment, including:

• Witness Testimony: Statements from the victim or other individuals who witnessed the alleged harassment
• Written Communication: Text messages, emails, social media posts, or letters that demonstrate threatening, annoying, or unwanted contact
• Recorded Calls: Audio or video recordings of phone calls or in-person interactions that support the harassment claim
• Documentation of Threats: Evidence of direct threats of harm or violence that caused the victim to fear for their safety
• Physical Evidence: Any objects, items, or signs used in the harassment, such as damaged property or gifts intended to harass
• Police Reports: Documentation of past incidents, including any police involvement or prior complaints made by the victim

Each of these pieces of evidence must show that you intended your behavior to cause distress and that it was repeated or severe enough to qualify as harassment under Washington state law.

Our Seattle Defense Attorneys Specialize In Challenging Harassment Charges

Our Seattle harassment defense attorneys are local to the Emerald City. You'll find us strategizing over coffee at Pike Place Market or meeting clients by the historic Pioneer Square. Our team often prepares cases against the backdrop of the Space Needle, drawing inspiration from its iconic presence. We know Seattle's neighborhoods well, from the lively Capitol Hill to the peaceful Green Lake Park. We're as familiar with our home as we are with crafting legal defenses.

Contact us now for a free consultation. Protect your rights with a team that knows both the law and the local landscape intimately. Don't let harassment charges overwhelm you. Our attorneys will challenge the charges and fight to protect your rights.

Harassment is a Serious Charge – Get Help from Our Seattle Harassment Attorneys

How is harassment defined by State law? Harassment is when a person makes threats of physical violence to another person, and is commonly seen in domestic violence cases when one family member threatens injure or abuse another family member. Harassment can also include threats to damage another person’s property, restrain or confine another person, or commit an act that is intended to harm another person’s mental safety.

The onus is on the prosecution in Seattle harassment cases to prove that the alleged victim was traumatized to the extent that they thought the threat would be carried out to its finality. Still, there is no substitute for having a qualified Seattle harassment lawyers protecting your interests and aggressively defending your rights. A Seattle harassment conviction could have a devastating effect on your future in both the short and long term.

Our Seattle harassment attorneys have represented numerous clients charged with harassment, and have the experience to ensure that you get quality legal representation from start to finish. A conviction for harassment will likely mean incurring severe penalties that could include up to a year in Seattle jail, a $5,000 fine, and acquiring a criminal record in the form of a gross misdemeanor.

Contact One of Our Seattle harassment Lawyers Today for a Confidential Consultation

It’s human nature when charged with a Seattle harassment crime to feel like everyone is against you, but this is not the time to let your frustrations get the better of you. Our Seattle harassment attorneys can help, but it’s vital that you give them plenty of time to investigate your case and prepare a solid legal defense.

Our goal in every Seattle harassment case is to minimize the damage as much as possible in an effort to keep your future bright, and improve relations with your family members. You should realize that you’ve been charged with a serious crime, but our Seattle harassment lawyers are here to listen and quickly react to protect your interests.

You can schedule a private consultation with Seattle attorney Jason S. Newcombe, or another member of our professional law firm. We will aid you in better understanding your harassment charges and outline how we might be able to aggressively defend you against the charges. So don’t waste another minute - deal with your Seattle harassment case now before the situation spirals out of control.

With 30 year of collective experience, our harassment attorneys can help you protect your legal rights.