Interfering with Domestic Violence Reporting in Washington State

Charged with Interfering with Reporting Domestic Violence in Tacoma? Know Your Rights

Being accused of domestic violence is overwhelming. But when that charge is followed by an additional allegation—interfering with the reporting of domestic violence—the situation becomes even more serious. At Smith & White, we represent people facing these difficult cases in Tacoma, WA and throughout Pierce County. This post explains what the law says, what the consequences can be, and how our defense attorneys fight to protect your rights and your future.

What Is Interfering with Reporting Domestic Violence?

Under RCW 9A.36.150, interfering with reporting domestic violence occurs when a person:

1. Commits a crime of domestic violence (as defined in RCW 10.99.020), and
2. Prevents or attempts to prevent the alleged victim (or any other person) from reporting the offense to law enforcement, calling 911, or obtaining medical help.

This is a gross misdemeanor in Washington State, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. But perhaps more importantly, it is a separate offense from the original domestic violence allegation. That means you could end up with two domestic violence charges from the same incident, each carrying their own penalties and long-term consequences.

Can Interference Be Charged Without a Conviction for Domestic Violence?

Yes—and this is where the law often confuses people. Washington courts have held that a conviction for the underlying domestic violence offense is not required to support an interference charge. What matters is that the State proves, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you committed a crime of domestic violence—even if you are not convicted of that crime.

This makes it even more critical to mount a strong, early defense. If we can demonstrate that no crime of domestic violence occurred, then the interference charge should not stand either.

Common Real-World Scenarios

Many clients are shocked to learn how easily this charge can be added:

• During an argument, someone knocks a phone off a table. Later, it’s claimed they were trying to prevent a 911 call.
• One person asks the other not to talk to police. This can be interpreted as an attempt to interfere.
• A person locks the door or moves between their partner and a phone during an emotional situation.

These cases often involve confusion, panic, or mutual conflict, not malicious intent. But the law doesn’t require intent to convict—just the act of prevention or attempted prevention.

What Behavior Is the Law Trying to Deter?

While the law can be over-applied, it was created to address real and dangerous situations. Examples of behavior that the statute is intended to punish include:

• A person breaking a phone or physically taking it away during a heated assault to prevent the victim from calling 911.
• Someone locking the victim in a room or physically restraining them from seeking medical help after causing an injury.
• A perpetrator who threatens the victim with further harm if they talk to police or file a report.

These are the scenarios that often lead to serious harm or prevent early intervention by law enforcement. The law is designed to protect vulnerable victims in moments when they may be trying to escape violence or seek aid.

Understanding the distinction between harmful, deliberate conduct and emotionally reactive but non-criminal behavior is key to defending against these charges.

Consequences of a Conviction

A conviction for interfering with reporting domestic violence can bring serious penalties:

• Up to 364 days in jail
• $5,000 in fines
• Probation
• Mandatory domestic violence treatment
• A permanent criminal record
• A no-contact order with the alleged victim

The conviction is also marked with a domestic violence designation, which can affect:

• Gun ownership: Loss of firearm rights
• Immigration: Risk of removal or denial of naturalization
• Custody cases: Harm to your parental rights
• Employment: Restrictions for certain jobs and licenses

And because the interfering charge is usually in addition to the original DV offense, you may face double the exposure unless both charges are dismissed or reduced.

What the State Must Prove

To convict, the prosecution must establish two key elements:

1. That you committed a domestic violence crime;
2. That you attempted to prevent or did prevent someone from reporting it.

That means we may defend this charge in two ways:

• Challenge the idea that a domestic violence crime even occurred.
• Challenge the allegation that you interfered with any reporting or response.

Defense Strategies

Our Tacoma domestic violence defense attorneys have successfully fought these charges using arguments like:

• No underlying DV offense occurred
• The reporting was never actually blocked
• The alleged interference was accidental
• Misunderstood statements or actions
• The alleged victim was not trying to report anything

For example:

In one case, our client allegedly pushed a phone during an argument. Police claimed he tried to stop a 911 call. But we showed that the phone fell during a mutual struggle and the partner never intended to call. Both charges were dismissed before trial.

In another situation, a Tacoma resident was charged with interfering because he told his partner, “Don’t do this to me” while the police were arriving. The prosecution claimed this was an effort to intimidate. But after reviewing body cam footage and text messages, we demonstrated it was a plea during a misunderstanding—not a threat. The charge was dropped.

Every case turns on its facts. That’s why it’s crucial to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.

What to Do If You’ve Been Charged

• Do not contact the alleged victim, even to apologize. This can lead to more charges.
• Preserve evidence: screenshots, texts, or witness names may help your case.
• Do not make any statements to police without a lawyer present.
• Document everything you remember, while it’s fresh in your mind.

Then, call an experienced attorney. At Smith & White, we start investigating immediately. The sooner we’re involved, the more we can do to help.

We Are Here to Help

Interfering with reporting domestic violence is a serious charge—but there are defenses. You don’t have to face this alone. Our attorneys live and work in Tacoma. We’ve spent decades defending good people caught in bad situations.

Facing charges? Don’t wait. Call our Tacoma office at (253) 363-8662 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to protect your future.