Harassment charges (RCW 9A.46.020) are taken very seriously in Washington State, especially if they have been assigned a Domestic Violence designation. A person commits the crime of Harassment in Washington State if he/she knowingly and unlawfully threaten to do any of the following:
-Threatens to cause bodily injury immediately or in the future to another person, or
-Threatens to cause physical damage to the property of another other than the actor, or
-Subjects the person threatened or any other person to physical confinement or restraint; or
-Maliciously to do any other act which is intended to substantially harm the person threatened or another with respect to his or her physical or mental health or safety.
What Does “Threatens” Mean:
In order for a person to commit Harassment in Washington State, the person must threaten another by using words or conduct that places the person threatened in reasonable fear that the threat will be carried out. “Words or conduct” includes, in addition to any other form of communication or conduct, the sending of an electronic communication.
Penalties:
Harassment is generally charged as a Gross Misdemeanor, however, in the following circumstances, it may be charged as a Class C Felony:
-If there is a previous conviction for harassment of the same victim, victim’s family or household member, or any person named in a no contact or anti-harassment order, or
-If there are threats to kill the person threatened or any other person.
