Dedication
We are available 24/7
A harassment charge can move from a gross misdemeanor to a felony fast, especially when a domestic violence designation is involved.
Legally reviewed by Roger Priest
Get a Free Case ReviewWe are available 24/7
Nearly 30 years of combined criminal defense experience
A former Oregon prosecutor now fights on your side
Thousands of criminal matters and dozens of jury trials
| Level | Classification |
|---|---|
| Harassment | Gross misdemeanor, up to 364 days and a $5,000 fine |
| Felony Harassment (Class C) | Applies when the threat is to kill, or there's a prior harassment conviction against the same person |
Washington law makes it a crime to knowingly threaten to harm another person with bodily injury or to threaten to damage his or her property. Doing so constitutes a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Harassment can be charged as a Class C felony when the allegation involves a threat to kill or a qualifying prior harassment conviction against the same person. It may also carry a domestic violence designation based on the relationship between the people involved. These cases often turn on the precise words used, their context, the consistency of each account, and corroborating evidence such as messages, recordings, or witnesses.
A recantation does not resolve the case by itself, so every statement and piece of evidence should be reviewed carefully before choosing a defense strategy.
The criminal charge of Harassment, unlike many other misdemeanor charges, requires submission of a DNA sample if you are convicted. Your DNA sample will then be added to a crime investigation database. There it can be cross-referenced against DNA collected in future criminal investigations (or cold cases).
The cost of this DNA collection will be added to your criminal fines and fees.
Contact us
Free consultation. Available 24/7. We quote a flat fee up front and offer payment plans on most cases. The number we quote is the number you pay, no matter how many hearings your case takes.
Cases we handle
Charges range from a simple push to felony assault with a weapon, every degree needs its own defense.
Learn more about Assault
Charges involving a partner, family member, or household member carry consequences beyond the case itself.
Learn more about Domestic Violence
Violating an order, or fighting to get one modified or lifted, requires careful, fast action.
Learn more about No-Contact & Restraining Orders
Serious charges need serious defense. We handle felony cases across Clark County.
Learn more about Felony Charges
Lower-level charges still carry real consequences. We fight to keep them off your record.
Learn more about Misdemeanors4.9 star reviews based on 110+ reviews
FAQ
Yes, this is one of the few misdemeanor charges in Washington that requires it.
Harassment is elevated to a Class C felony when the threat is a threat to kill, or when the person has a prior harassment conviction against the same victim. Otherwise it is charged as a gross misdemeanor.
When a harassment allegation arises out of a dispute between family members, partners, or household members, it carries a domestic violence designation. These cases often hinge on a single accuser's account, which can be inconsistent, motivated, or later recanted.
Contact us
Free consultation. Available 24/7. We quote a flat fee up front and offer payment plans on most cases. The number we quote is the number you pay, no matter how many hearings your case takes.