Degrees of Harassment in Washington

Washington defines harassment in the Revised Code of Washington.

Harassment in the state of Washington is defined in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), in Title 9a, Chapter 9a.46. This definition, as summarized by the Law Offices of Geoffrey Burg, states harassment as knowingly and unlawfully threatening to cause bodily injury to another person, physical damage to their property or maliciously doing any act intended to substantially harm another person, with respect to their physical or mental health or safety. The RCW Code and other state laws are available on the Washington State Legislature website.

Harassment as a Misdemeanor

Harassment is a gross misdemeanor for individuals with no prior convictions. In Washington, a gross misdemeanor is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.

Harassment as a Felony

Harassment is a Class C felony for individuals who have threatened any person named on a "no contact" or "no harassment" order. It is also a felony for someone to threaten to kill another person. In Washington, a Class C felony has a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Repeat Offenses

Harassment is a Class C felony for individuals with previous convictions for harassment of the same victim or the victim's family and/or household. In 1993, Washington became the first state to pass the "3 Strikes and You're Out" law, and recently it implemented a "2 Strikes" law. The "3 Strikes" law dictates that individuals with three felonies must receive a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole. Similarly, the "2 Strikes" law dictates individuals convicted of a serious crime, such as a sexual offense, and another felony will also receive a mandatory life sentence without parole.

Other Types of Harassment

Washington is one of the few states that has written laws against text and phone harassment. Harassment laws in Washington also extend to stalking, cyber and work-place harassment. In addition, in 2003, Washington became one of the first states to extended the penalties of harassment to in-school bullying.

References

• Burg: Criminal Defense -- Domestic Violence Defense
• Washington State Legislature -- Chapter 9a.46 RCW Harassment
• Society of Counsel - Crime Classifications in Washington
• Bully Policy USA - Washington State