Harassment And Stalking

In Washington, harassment is knowingly threatening, without lawful authority, to cause bodily injury, to damage another's property, to confine or restrain someone, or maliciously to do another act intended to substantially harm someone's health or safety, where words or conduct, including an electronic message, place the person in reasonable fear the threat will be carried out. It is a gross misdemeanor, and a class C felony when the threat is to kill.

• §RCW 9A.46.020

Stalking is intentionally and repeatedly harassing or following someone; contacting, following, tracking or monitoring them after actual notice that they do not want it; or secretly installing a tracking device, where the person suffers substantial emotional distress or fear of injury that a reasonable person would feel. It is a gross misdemeanor, and a class B felony in the circumstances the section lists, such as a prior stalking conviction.

• §RCW 9A.46.110

It is not a defense to stalking by repeated harassment that the stalker did not intend to frighten the person.

• §RCW 9A.46.110