Washington § 9.61.230 - Telephone harassment.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 9.61.230 — Telephone harassment., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9.61.230. Telephone harassment.

(1) Every person who, with intent to harass, intimidate, torment or embarrass any other person, shall make a telephone call to such other person:
(a) Using any lewd, lascivious, profane, indecent, or obscene words or language, or suggesting the commission of any lewd or lascivious act; or
(b) Anonymously or repeatedly or at an extremely inconvenient hour, whether or not conversation ensues; or
(c) Threatening to inflict injury on the person or property of the person called or any member of his or her family or household;
is guilty of a gross misdemeanor, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section.
(2) The person is guilty of a class C felony punishable according to chapter 9A.20 RCW if either of the following applies:
(a) That person has previously been convicted of any crime of harassment, as defined in RCW 9A.46.060, with the same victim or member of the victim's family or household or any person specifically named in a no-contact or no-harassment order in this or any other state; or
(b) That person harasses another person under subsection (1)(c) of this section by threatening to kill the person threatened or any other person.
[ 2003 c 53 s 39; 1992 c 186 s 6; 1985 c 288 s 11; 1967 c 16 s 1.]

Notes

Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.
Severability—1992 c 186: See note following RCW 9A.46.110.
Effective date—1985 c 288: See RCW 9A.46.905.
Severability—1967 c 16: "If any portion of this act is held to be unconstitutional or void, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining parts of this act." [ 1967 c 16 s 4.]
Communicating with child for immoral purposes: RCW 9.68A.090.
Interference with telephone message: RCW 9A.48.070, 9A.48.080.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 9.61.230

What does Revised Code of Washington § 9.61.230 cover?

Section 9.61.230 ("Telephone harassment.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 9.61.230?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 9.61.230" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 9.61.230 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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