Stalking Defense Attorney in Tacoma

Facing Stalking Allegations? Trusted Guidance from a Tacoma Defense Lawyer

Stalking charges can disrupt your daily life and reputation in an instant. If you or a loved one needs help responding to these accusations, you want a stalking defense lawyer in Tacoma who understands Washington law, values your privacy, treats you with respect, and can guide you through the local legal system. 

At Hester Law Group, we use decades of criminal defense experience to help individuals and families face these issues confidently. Our team stands ready to advise you, protect your rights, and guide you at every stage, from initial investigation to case resolution.

Stalking allegations in Tacoma go beyond legal consequences and can affect work, relationships, and standing in the community. Facing this situation in Pierce County courts may feel overwhelming, but our insight into local court processes can offer much-needed direction. We are available to answer your questions and provide steady support as you work through each step.

We are Certified Criminal Law Specialists and provide bilingual services. Contact Hester Law Group today to speak with a dedicated stalking defense attorney in Tacoma by calling (253) 300-3034 or reaching out through our online form—Free consultations.

Understanding Stalking Laws in Washington

Washington State law defines stalking as a crime when a person, without lawful authority, intentionally and repeatedly harasses or follows another person, causing them to feel substantial emotional distress or to fear for their own safety, the safety of others, or their property. 

This definition, found in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9A.46.110, is complex because it requires the prosecution to prove a pattern of behavior, not just a single incident. The law also includes cyberstalking, which involves using electronic communications to harass or threaten a person.

The core elements that distinguish stalking from other offenses, such as harassment, are:

• A "Course of Conduct": Stalking is not a one-time event. The prosecution must prove a "series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose." This can include repeatedly showing up at a person's home, work, or school, making unwanted phone calls or sending unwanted texts, or monitoring their activities.
• Intent: The prosecution must prove that the accused either intended to frighten, intimidate, or harass the person, or knew or reasonably should have known that their actions would cause such fear or distress.
• Reasonable Fear: The victim's fear must be one that a reasonable person in the same situation would experience under all the circumstances. The prosecution cannot simply rely on the victim's subjective feeling of fear.

As a Tacoma stalking lawyer, we understand these intricate definitions and are prepared to challenge the prosecution's evidence regarding all of these elements. We know how to expose weaknesses in a case, such as a lack of evidence of a "course of conduct" or the unreasonableness of the alleged fear.

Penalties of a Stalking Conviction in Washington

A stalking conviction in Washington State can lead to severe penalties that extend far beyond time in prison. The consequences are life-altering and can affect your ability to work, live, and move freely in society for decades to come.

• Gross Misdemeanor Stalking: A first-time stalking charge is typically a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
• Felony Stalking: A stalking charge can be elevated to a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine, if any of the following apply:
  • The accused has a prior conviction for stalking or harassment.
  • The stalking violates a protective order.
  • The accused was armed with a deadly weapon.
• Permanent Criminal Record: A stalking conviction will result in a permanent criminal record that is accessible to employers, landlords, and educational institutions. This can be a significant barrier to employment and housing, even years after you have completed your sentence.
• Firearm Prohibition: A felony stalking conviction will result in the permanent loss of your right to own or possess a firearm. This is a severe consequence that can affect your personal safety and your future.
• Domestic Violence Designation: When a stalking charge involves a domestic relationship, it will have a domestic violence designation, which can result in a loss of firearm rights even for a gross misdemeanor conviction.
• Protection Orders: A stalking conviction will almost always result in the issuance of a no-contact order or a permanent protection order, which can severely restrict your ability to interact with the victim and their family members.

These long-term impacts underscore the urgency of hiring a skilled stalking defense attorney in Tacoma to protect your future.

Stalking Charges in Tacoma: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Every stalking case brings uncertainty, but knowing what to expect can ease anxiety. In Tacoma, the process usually starts with law enforcement investigating a report. If charges result, your first hearing typically takes place in Pierce County District Court or a city municipal court.

• Arrest or summons: You may be arrested or receive a court summons after a report.
• Initial court appearance: The judge tells you the charges and may address bail, release conditions, or no-contact orders.
• Pretrial hearings: Your stalking defense lawyer will review evidence, speak with prosecutors, and discuss case developments in plain terms.
• Trial and resolution: Some cases resolve early through negotiation, while others reach trial, where both sides present their facts and arguments in court.

Regional Considerations & Local Legal Procedures

Pierce County courts have procedures designed to address stalking allegations, especially those involving digital evidence. Local law enforcement often gathers electronic records—such as emails, texts, or social media posts—when building a case. 

Our team keeps up with how regional agencies work with these records and how procedural details can affect timelines and outcomes. We help you track Tacoma-specific hearing dates, expected evidence, and administrative steps so you can make informed decisions at every stage.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Stalking Defense

At Hester Law Group, we believe that an effective defense against a stalking charge requires a meticulous, personalized strategy. As a dedicated stalking defense attorney in Tacoma, our firm does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We tailor our defense to the unique details of each case, leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice.

Our comprehensive approach as a stalking defense attorney in Tacoma often includes:

• Independent Investigation: We will not simply rely on the evidence collected by law enforcement. We will conduct our own investigation, which may include interviewing witnesses and reviewing phone records to find evidence that supports your innocence. We will also work to expose any biases or inconsistencies in the victim’s statements.
• Challenging the Evidence: We will aggressively challenge every piece of evidence the prosecution plans to use against you. This includes scrutinizing how evidence was collected, demanding the calibration records for any machines used (like cell phone tracking devices), and filing motions to exclude evidence that was obtained in violation of your constitutional rights.
• Asserting Strong Legal Defenses: We will work to identify and leverage a variety of legal defenses, such as lack of intent, which is a key element in many stalking cases. We can argue that your actions were the result of a misunderstanding or a mistake, not a deliberate attempt to harass or intimidate.
• Negotiating with Prosecutors: Our firm has a strong track record of negotiating favorable plea agreements with prosecutors. As former prosecutors, we have a unique understanding of how to leverage this process to get your charges reduced or dismissed.

Why Work with Our Tacoma Stalking Defense Team

With over 130 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys bring deep insight and commitment to each case. We have earned recognition in respected publications such as Best Lawyers in America, and many of our attorneys hold a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating. Our team has defended clients in both state and federal courts across Washington and neighboring states. 

Media outlets and literature have featured our attorneys, reflecting our reputation and professionalism in criminal defense. Our free consultations give you an accessible way to get reliable answers before making any choices. We also provide bilingual services to ensure that language is never a barrier to a quality defense.

When you work with a stalking defense lawyer in Tacoma from our office, you can expect:

• In-depth assessment: We listen to your story and review the facts that courts in Tacoma consider important.
• Local insight: Our understanding of Pierce County prosecutors and court procedures helps you make informed decisions.
• Respect for privacy: We treat high-profile or sensitive allegations with the utmost care, prioritizing your confidentiality at every turn.
• Clear discussion of options: We explain each possible path forward, letting you choose the direction that fits your needs and circumstances.

We strive to help you regain control so you can pursue a fair resolution without added confusion.

Take the First Step Toward Trusted Defense Representation

Handling a stalking accusation requires clarity, direction, and a supportive team you can trust. Start your conversation with a free, confidential consultation from a stalking charges lawyer in Tacoma who values your privacy and understands Washington’s court procedures.

Secure reliable answers today—call (253) 300-3034 or reach out online to discuss your options in a judgment-free setting and take control of your next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if someone files a stalking complaint against me?

The police or other local agencies may investigate, which could lead to charges and a court date. You have the right to legal counsel throughout this process.

Can a restraining order be issued along with stalking charges?

Court orders restricting contact with the complaining witness are common in stalking cases and can impact housing, work, or family relationships.

Are stalking offenses always prosecuted as felonies in Washington?

No, stalking can be charged as either a gross misdemeanor or felony, depending on the facts, such as prior conduct or alleged threats.

Do I have to speak with police before contacting an attorney?

You are not required to answer questions before speaking with a lawyer and can request legal assistance at any point in the process.

Will these charges appear on my record if the case is dismissed?

If dropped or dismissed, charges may still appear on background checks until formally cleared or sealed, depending on state procedures.

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