CCD Law Crary & Domanico, P.S., of Spokane, defends clients accused of domestic violence and harassment. Sometimes people in relationships are accused of harassment and this might unjustly lead to domestic violence charges. We help suspects stand up for their rights and receive a fair evaluation from investigators and judges. We use strong evidence to earn an acquittal or to get charges and sentences reduced. Contact our Spokane domestic violence lawyers for a case review with a real, local lawyer to determine your best option.
What to Do When You Face Harassment Accusations in a Domestic Situation
It’s important to know that reports of harassment don’t automatically result in domestic violence charges in Washington. However, harassment accusations can sometimes lead to domestic violence charges. Investigators will use reports of harassment as a reason to investigate domestic situations for signs of domestic violence. Their investigation can be based on false reports and suspects can end up falsely accused of something much more serious.
This is an extremely serious charge that can lead to jail time and many unfortunate consequences for families. Those accused may be in a domestic situation involving a separation or divorce. Harassment allegations or even more serious domestic violence charges can affect someone’s ability to see their children and gain custody. They may lead to protective orders. Violations can affect a suspect’s right to bear arms. They might lead to a criminal record and affect a suspect’s ability to earn employment.
Suspects need to take harassment accusations and domestic violence accusations seriously. They may need strong legal protection to see that they aren’t targeted by unfair convictions and excessive punishments. A Spokane Domestic Violence Harassment Lawyer makes sure those accused have their side of the story heard and that all evidence gets considered in these situations.
What Is Considered Harassment in Washington?
In Washington, harassment can involve many different types of threats. By law, the alleged victim must have reasonable cause to think the threat will be carried out. Victims may feel they will be physically harmed or restrained. Physical damage to someone’s property could be another threat. It may include an attempt to affect someone’s mental health and/or an attempt to make them feel unsafe.
Banging on someone’s door constantly could be considered harassment. Repeated texts, calls, and emails may be evidence of harassment.
The Revised Code of Washington RCW 9A.46.020 explains what should be considered harassment:
“(1) A person is guilty of harassment if:
(a) Without lawful authority, the person knowingly threatens:
(i) To cause bodily injury immediately or in the future to the person threatened or to any other person; or
(ii) To cause physical damage to the property of a person other than the actor; or
(iii) To subject the person threatened or any other person to physical confinement or restraint; or
(iv) Maliciously to do any other act which is intended to substantially harm the person threatened or another with respect to his or her physical health or safety; and
(b) The person by words or conduct 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.”
An investigation into reports of harassment can lead to domestic violence investigation if a relationship is established between the two people involved. This might occur, even if the alleged victim didn’t intend for the investigation to go further. This might include people who are married, dating, or living together. It might involve an ex-spouse, ex-boyfriend, or ex-girlfriend.
During an argument, some actions may be interpreted as harassment. A 911 call is made and officers mistakenly classify an incident as a domestic violence situation. These misunderstandings can be cleared up, but without a legal professional on the case, those who stand accused can quickly face charges that can affect their lives for years to come.
What Is the Punishment for Harassment?
Those accused of harassment that doesn’t involve a death threat would usually be charged with a gross misdemeanor. A gross misdemeanor is usually the charge if the person has no other history of harassment against the victim or the victim’s family. Suspects found guilty could face up to a year in prison and a $5000 dollar fine.
If a threat to kill is communicated during harassment, a felony conviction is possible. Felony charges are also levied if the suspect has a prior harassment conviction involving the same victim or victims. If the convicted has no prior record of harassment with the victim, a minimum of one to three months in jail may be the punishment. If the crime involves domestic violence, the minimum sentence is often extended.
A felony conviction for those who have a prior record of harassment could reach up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 dollar fine.
The punishments listed above don’t include the enormous court fees and legal costs those accused and those convicted could face. Convicted harassment offenders could also receive probation and have to enroll in an anger management or drug rehab program.
Contact a Spokane Domestic Violence Harassment Lawyer Today
The effectiveness of your legal defense can make an enormous difference in the outcome of your harassment or domestic violence case. CCD Law has been defending clients in Eastern Washington for over 40 years. We help clients seek justice and rebuild their lives after facing serious and life-altering charges involving harassment and domestic violence allegations and charges. We seek the restoration of people’s lives and resolutions for families if possible.
Contact us as soon as possible to schedule a confidential case consultation with a real Spokane attorney. The fact that these allegations were made doesn’t make you guilty. We can help you identify the fastest route to clearing your name and rebuilding your life.
