Harassment in Kent

A harassment conviction in Washington state does not just come with legal penalties––it also permanently damages your personal reputation and social standing in Kent. A harassment conviction will negatively impact your relationships, employment opportunities, and prospects. If you're facing harassment charges, do not face them alone. Seek legal representation immediately.

Our Kent harassment attorneys have over 20 years of experience defending clients. We've defended your neighbors and achieved favorable outcomes in challenging their cases. Our legal team knows the local courts, judges, and prosecutors, giving us a significant advantage in handling your case. We also know what constitutes harassment under Washington law. We won't let vague or unfounded claims stand in the way of your reputation and freedom. Count on us to protect your rights no matter the harassment allegations.

In Washington state, the law defines harassment as someone knowingly threatening another person. The threat must meet specific criteria, including causing bodily harm, property damage, physical confinement, or substantial emotional distress. Further, the victim must reasonably believe that the threat will be carried out. There are several scenarios in which we have seen our clients face harassment charges, including:

• Sending a text message stating, "If you show up to work tomorrow, I'll make you regret it"
• Constantly calling someone late at night and leaving threatening voicemails, such as "You're going to pay for what you did"
• Appearing repeatedly at someone's home or workplace with the intent to scare or intimidate them
• Saying, "I'm going to destroy your car if you don't pay me back," especially if the victim believes you'll follow through
• Stalking or tailing someone to make them feel unsafe, even without physical harm
• Yelling at someone in a public place, "I'm going to beat you up when I see you next"
• Sending repeated threatening messages, such as, "You better watch your back," through platforms like Facebook or Instagram
• Telling someone, "If you don't do what I say, I'll hurt your dog"
• Saying, "Pay me by tomorrow, or I'll ruin your life"
• Telling someone, "If you don't agree to my terms, you'll never leave this house"

Because harassment includes such a wide range of activities and the interpretation of Washington state harassment laws is highly subjective, you need our knowledgeable and experienced Kent harassment defense attorneys on your side.

A harassment conviction in Washington state has significant legal and personal consequences. Here's what you could face:

• Gross Misdemeanor (Standard Harassment): Up to 364 days in jail and/or fines of up to $5,000
• Class C Felony (Aggravated Harassment): Up to 5 years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000 if the harassment involves threats of death or if the victim is a law enforcement officer, judge, or another protected individual
• Court-mandated no-contact orders prohibiting contact with the victim
• A permanent record that negatively affects employment, housing, and professional licenses
• Convictions involving threats may result in forfeiting your right to own or possess firearms.
• Felony harassment convictions result in the loss of voting rights while incarcerated and potentially during probation.
• In cases where the victim of harassment is a partner or family member, a conviction may trigger the loss of custody or visitation rights to your children.

If you're facing harassment charges, you must act quickly to protect your rights and minimize potential penalties. Call our attorneys now for assistance.

How Can I Legally Defend Myself Against Harassment Charges?

Defending against harassment charges requires addressing the specific elements of Washington state law. Here are common legal defenses we use to challenge harassment cases:

• Lack Of Intent: Harassment requires that you knowingly make a threat. If your words or actions were unintentional or misunderstood, this can be a defense.
• No Credible Threat: The prosecution must prove the threat was credible and caused reasonable fear. It may not meet the legal standard if the threat was vague, exaggerated, or not serious (like a joke).
• Protected Free Speech: Under the First Amendment, not all speech counts as harassment. If your conduct was simply an expression of opinion or frustration without a real threat, it may be protected.
• False Accusation: Harassment charges can sometimes stem from false claims or misunderstandings. Texts, emails, or witness statements can help prove the accusations are untrue.
• Lack Of Evidence: The King County prosecution must prove the elements of harassment beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is insufficient evidence to show a threat or fear, the charges may not hold.
• No Reasonable Fear: Even if a threat was made, the victim must have reasonably believed it could be carried out. If their fear was unreasonable or exaggerated, it can be a defense.
• Mistaken Identity: If the victim cannot identify you as the source of the threat, such as in anonymous communication cases, it can create doubt about your involvement.
• Consent Or Mutual Participation: In some disputes, both parties may have participated in heated exchanges. We could challenge the claim that you were solely the aggressor.
• Alibi: If you can show you were not present during the incident (such as having an alibi), it could lead to the dismissal of your case.
• Procedural Errors: If Kent law enforcement conducted an illegal search or failed to read your Miranda rights, the evidence they collected could be suppressed, weakening the case against you.

Our Kent attorneys specializing in harassment defense identify the most suitable strategy. We'll fight the charges and the penalties and work to protect your reputation in the community.

As Kent harassment defense attorneys, we're deeply connected to our community. You'll find us around town at places like Kent Station, Lake Meridian Park, and Meeker Street. We also enjoy the local events at Kent Memorial Park, Kent Farmers Market, and ShoWare Center. We know Kent and the local court system. Count on us to challenge evidence and fight for reduced charges and even case dismissals. Call us now to learn more about how we will protect your rights in a harassment case.

Criminal harassment is defined as threatening violence against another person. This charge is often seen in domestic violence cases within the household, but can apply to situations in the workplace or elsewhere. If someone threatens to damage another person's property, damage their mental security, or restrain them in some way, it may also qualify as harassment.

Harassment cases require that the prosecutor prove the alleged victim believed the threat against them was authentic, and would be carried out in full. If you've been charged with this crime, seek help from the Kent harassment lawyers at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe, and start getting reliable information about the law. If you're convicted of a harassment crime, you could face severe punishments and the lasting damage that a criminal conviction incurs.

Our Kent harassment attorneys have more than 30 years of combined experience handling all sorts of harassment cases. Harassment is a gross misdemeanor in Washington State, and a conviction could lead to a year in jail and $5,000 in fines. The devastating impact of a harassment conviction should be avoided at all costs, which is why your lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case in order to construct a resolute defense.

If you're a Kent resident facing a criminal harassment charge, you likely have questions about the law and how it applies to your situation. You can start getting answers today by contacting one of our Kent harassment attorneys for a free consultation.

In cases involving harassment, we fight to minimize the penalties associated with a conviction, and are sometimes able to have the charges dismissed, depending on the circumstances. Throughout this process, our Kent harassment lawyers will help you make decisions based on the law, offering reliable legal counsel designed to resolve your case in a timely manner.

Contact our office to arrange your own private consultation with one of our Kent legal professionals, without any obligation whatsoever. We will work hard to earn your trust, exploring all of your legal options in order to develop a comprehensive defense strategy. Harassment charges should never be underestimated, so let us help you by supplying answers to your most important questions.

With decades of legal experience at your disposal, minimizing the impact of a harassment charge in Kent is far more likely. Contact our law office today and let us help you take the