Harassment

If you have been charged with harassment, you are probably already learning how it can impact your life. The consequences of this kind of crime can extend far beyond just the courtroom. Our criminal defense attorneys understand how emotionally and financially overwhelming these cases can be.

So whether you are facing accusations of harassment in a domestic context, a workplace setting, or anywhere else, our skilled attorneys are committed to providing you with the best legal support possible. We will advocate for your rights and ensure that every aspect of your case is investigated properly.

Harassment in Washington is generally governed by RCW 9A.46.020, which defines the act as an intentional and malicious course of conduct that can cause another person to feel threatened or harassed. Harassment includes actions like unwanted communication, following someone, or engaging in conduct that can cause emotional distress to another. These statutes outline more specific behaviors that can lead to a criminal charge like this, such as making a threatening statement or engaging in repetitive conduct that can cause great fear or distress.

For a harassment charge to hold up in court, the prosecutors need to prove that everything was done with malicious intent and that malicious intent caused the victim of the harassment to feel a reasonable amount of fear or distress. The law makes a clear distinction between harassment and other offenses like stalking. Those accused of harassment can face penalties that include fines, probation, and even time in prison. However, there are strong defenses available to you if you are charged with this crime, including false accusations and the lack of intent.

In Washington, harassment crimes are taken very seriously. Did you know that a significant number of these cases arise from domestic disputes, workplace issues, or conflicts between neighbors? Resources like the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and local law enforcement agencies can provide educational materials and services for victims of harassment.

For those facing harassment charges, community support and resources are also available to help. Learning more about your available defense options is important, and our criminal defense attorneys are here to discuss your case in detail and guide you through every step of the process.

RCW 9A.46.020 defines harassment in Washington state as when a person is found guilty of knowingly threatening to cause another person harm or bodily injury, physical damage to their property, or physical confinement or restraint. It also says harassment occurs when you place the victim in a reasonable amount of fear that any threats you make will be carried out.

For an act to be considered harassment, it must include the elements of malicious and intentional threat. Additionally, it can also occur in the presence of a firearm or other weapon. According to the law, it is up to the court to determine if the acts of harassment were committed unlawfully or if they were committed to serve a legitimate or lawful purpose.

Here are some of the more notable statutes you can find that define harassment in Washington state.

• RCW 9A.46: This has to do with the Anti-Harassment Act of 1985, which largely stems from legal precedent set under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It defines harassment as knowingly threatening to cause bodily injury, physical damage to property, or physical confinement or restraint.
• RCW 49.60: This statute has to do with workplace harassment and prohibits discrimination in the workplace, including instances of sexual harassment, which are outlined more under RCW 49.60.180. Victims of this kind of harassment can file a complaint with the Washington State Human Rights Commission. Washington has specific laws regarding this type of harassment, which often falls under discrimination laws.
• RCW 28A.600.477: This prohibits harassment, intimidation, and bullying within a school setting.
• RCW 9A.46.110: This statute outlines the penalties for stalking. While it is distinct from harassment, stalking often involves repeated and unwanted contact that often escalates to harassment.
• RCW 7.105: This provides for the issuance of civil protection orders to prevent harassment. Civil anti-harassment protection orders are separate legal actions that can be obtained through the courts to prevent further harassment.

Harassment is generally considered a gross misdemeanor under Washington law and carries such penalties. It becomes a Class C felony in certain situations, like when there is a prior harassment conviction involving the victim or a family member, or there are death threats involved.

As a gross misdemeanor, you will find it can usually result in up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. A Class C felony can result in up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Washington has a lot to offer, so you don’t want to let your harassment charges take the best of you. Remember, you don’t need to face these criminal charges alone. There are skilled attorneys who know the ins and outs of harassment laws in Washington and can help keep you out of prison. So instead of navigating these laws yourself, put your future in the hands of someone who can help.

We strongly believe that every harassment charge can be challenged successfully in one way or another. Our attorneys have been successfully defending clients accused of harassment crimes throughout Washington for over 20 years.

If you or a loved one are facing harassment charges, it’s time to speak with a criminal defense attorney who has experience in this area. We provide you with an aggressive defense to ensure your rights are upheld and your case is handled with expertise. Our team will fight for your future and help keep you out of jail.

There are three key types of harassment charges – all of which must be taken seriously. Each charge can range from a gross misdemeanor to a Class C no contact orders, and court-ordered treatment.

The standard form of harassment is generally when an individual unlawfully threatens to cause bodily injury, damage a person’s property, or physically restrain another person. These threats can be made either by words or by someone’s intentional conduct. This crime is a gross misdemeanor. However, there are circumstances where this charge could be a Class C Felony, such as a prior harassment conviction against the same victim or a member of the victim’s family/household or a threat to kill the person.

Malicious harassment is similar to standard harassment, except the reason for the act is due to the victim’s perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or mental, physical, or sensory handicap. This crime is a Class C Felony, which means the maximum penalty is five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Telephone harassment is similar to normal harassment, except it is done over the phone. If you call an individual with the intent to harass, intimidate, torment, or embarrass them, it could be construed as telephone harassment. This would include, but is not limited to, using lewd or profane language on the phone or calling repeatedly or at odd hours with the above intent. Telephone harassment is a gross misdemeanor but in some instances could be charged as a Class C Felony.

If you are facing a harassment charge, give our office a call to discuss your options and the potential penalties with an experienced Washington criminal defense attorney.