You didn’t lay a finger on anyone. 

No punches thrown, no weapons drawn. Just words — maybe angry, maybe sarcastic, maybe regrettable.  But now you’re facing criminal charges. What happened? 

In Washington, that’s not a mistake. It’s the law. 

If you’re wondering whether something you said could land you in real trouble, the answer is yes. 

Verbal threats — spoken, texted, emailed, or posted — can lead to criminal charges in Seattle. Depending on what was said and how it was received, those charges can escalate fast.

Here’s what you need to know — and what to do next.

What Counts as a Criminal Threat in Washington?

In Washington, threatening someone with bodily harm, property damage, or confinement can be a crime, even if you never touch them.

The key question is whether your words or actions made someone reasonably fear that the threat would be carried out.

A person commits harassment if they knowingly threaten another person and, by words or conduct, place that person in reasonable fear.
 

What do threats cover? Threats can cover:

- Causing bodily injury
 

- Damaging property
 

- Physically confining or restraining someone
 

- Acting in a way that seriously harms someone’s physical health or safety
 

And it doesn’t have to be face-to-face. A text message, an angry voicemail, an aggressive social media post — any of these can be enough if the target feels legitimately threatened.

Assault Without Touching: How Verbal Threats Become Assault Charges

In Washington, assault isn’t just about hitting someone.  It includes acts that make someone fear they’re about to get hurt.

If you threaten to punch someone and move aggressively toward them — even if you never swing — that’s enough. Words combined with actions that create immediate fear can lead to a fourth-degree assault charge.

It’s not about whether you intended to follow through. It’s about whether the person hearing the threat reasonably believed you might.

When Threats Become Felonies

Not all harassment charges are created equal. Some threats are serious enough to bump a case from misdemeanor to felony status.

That happens when:

- The threat involves killing someone
 

- You’ve been convicted of harassment against the same person before
 

- You threaten a judge, police officer, prosecutor, or election official because of their official duties

When harassment is charged as a Class C felony in Washington, the penalties can get much heavier, including up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

It’s a steep price for words you might not have meant, or wish you could take back.

Defending Against Verbal Threat Charges

If you’re facing charges over something you said, it’s natural to feel trapped. But you have options.

Depending on your case, possible defenses might include:

- No Intent to Threaten: The words were emotional, sarcastic, or misunderstood — not a true threat.
 

- Ambiguous Language: The statement wasn’t clear or specific enough to meet the legal standard.
 

- Unreasonable Fear: A reasonable person wouldn’t have felt threatened in that situation.
 

- First Amendment Protections: Free speech covers a lot, but not "true threats." Still, this defense can sometimes apply.

Every case turns on the facts.  Who said what, how it was said, the history between the people involved — it all matters.

Why Hiring a Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyer Makes a Difference

Verbal threat charges can spiral quickly.  You could face restraining orders, jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent record. And prosecutors in King County don’t take harassment cases lightly.

Having a criminal defense attorney isn’t just helpful — it’s smart. A criminal defense lawyer in Seattle knows how to dig into the evidence, challenge weak claims, and negotiate better outcomes.

Sometimes cases get dismissed. Sometimes they get reduced. But it doesn’t happen without someone fighting for you.

If Your Words Are Being Used Against You, Take Action Now.

When emotions run high, words can have bigger consequences than you ever intended. If you're being charged because of something you said — don't stay silent now. 

Your future deserves a real defense. Call us for a free consultation today or fill out our contact form. We want to help!