declining to address issue raised for the first time on appeal where defendant failed to address any of the RAP 2.5(a)(3) exceptions
How later courts described this case
- declining to address issue raised for the first time on appeal where defendant failed to address any of the RAP 2.5(a)(3) exceptions
- declining to address double jeopardy jury instruction challenge where defendant failed to make any showing that the alleged error was manifest
Written by the judges who cited it.
The opinion
Filed
Washington State
Court of Appeals
Division Two
August 5, 2025
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION II
STATE OF WASHINGTON, No. 58784-0-II
Respondent,
v.
ANTHONY L. JOHNSON, UNPUBLISHED OPINION
Appellant.
CRUSER, C.J.—Jadey Kiser obtained a domestic violence protection order against Anthony
Johnson, with whom she had one daughter. After the order was entered, Kiser received numerous
phone calls and threatening text messages from an unknown number. The messages contained
information that led her to believe the calls and messages were from Johnson. In addition, a friend,
who also had a child with Johnson, contacted Kiser and warned her to flee her home because
Johnson was threatening to kill her.
The State charged Johnson with felony harassment domestic violence, witness tampering,
two counts of misdemeanor harassment, and two counts of violating a domestic violence court
order. A jury convicted him of these charges.
Johnson appeals his convictions and sentence, arguing that the trial court abused its
discretion by erroneously admitting ER 404(b) evidence, Washington’s harassment statute is
unconstitutional, the trial court erred by failing to instruct the jury on the proper mens rea for a
No. 58784-0-II
true threat after Counterman v. Colorado, 1 and insufficient evidence supported one of his
misdemeanor harassment convictions. Johnson also contends that he received ineffective
assistance of counsel, and cumulative error denied him a fair trial. Finally, Johnson asserts that at
sentencing, the trial court erroneously refused to consider a prison-based drug offender sentencing
alternative (DOSA), the trial court miscalculated his offender score for felony harassment, and his
misdemeanor judgment and sentence is unclear. The State concedes the miscalculation and that
the lack of clarity should be corrected on remand.
We agree that the trial court erroneously refused to consider a prison-based DOSA and
miscalculated his offender score for felony harassment, and that clarification of his misdemeanor
judgment and sentence is required, but we otherwise affirm his convictions. Accordingly, we
remand for reconsideration of a prison-based DOSA, correction of his offender score and
resentencing on that count, and clarification of his misdemeanor judgment and sentence.
FACTS
I. BACKGROUND
Soon after Johnson and Kiser began dating in March 2017, Kiser became pregnant with
their daughter. In the beginning of their relationship, the couple lived in Portland. During their
relationship, Johnson was mentally, emotionally, and physically abusive toward Kiser. Eventually,
Kiser and her daughter left the home they rented with Johnson, moved to Vancouver, Washington,
and obtained a protection order against Johnson. In spite of the protection order, Kiser received
numerous threatening text messages and phone calls from an unknown number. Kiser believed the
messages and calls were from Johnson, and Kiser reported the incidents to law enforcement.
1
600 U.S. 66, 143 S. Ct. 2106, 216 L. Ed. 2d 775 (2023).
2
No. 58784-0-II
The State charged Johnson with 1 count of felony harassment including a death threat
(count 1), 2 counts of violating a domestic violence court order (count 2, count 5), 2 counts of
misdemeanor harassment (count 3, count 4), and witness tampering (count 6).
II. PRETRIAL PROCEEDINGS
Prior to trial, the trial court held a hearing on the admissibility of evidence of Johnson’s
prior bad acts, including prior domestic violence, substance use, and prison time, under ER 404(b).
In particular, the parties argued whether Kiser could testify to her recollection of an incident where
Johnson threatened Kiser while holding a knife. The incident resulted in multiple Oregon criminal
charges, including the unlawful use of a weapon, 2 counts of menacing—domestic violence, 4
counts of harassment, and tampering with a witness. At the ER 404(b) hearing, Johnson argued
that the State had failed to prove the knife incident occurred by a preponderance of the evidence.
Johnson pointed out that he was acquitted of the unlawful use of a weapon charge2 and argued that
Kiser had given two different versions of the incident. The trial court responded that Kiser’s
inconsistent statements would subject her to impeachment, but that was a different issue from
admissibility.
The trial court then ruled that Kiser could testify to the knife incident.
I can make a finding of preponderance based on some of the things that she said.
I’ve already kind of gone over those. His anger, his sarcastic comments, his
threats of violence, drinking, breaking toys, throwing toys, punching holes in walls.
That burden has been met.
She can testify with regards to the knife incident. He can impeach her, as
you choose appropriate. That goes to the element on the harassment death threats.
2
The jury found Johnson not guilty of unlawful use of a weapon, harassment based on pushing
Kiser into the wall, and tampering with a witness. The jury found Johnson guilty of both counts of
menacing but that they did not constitute domestic violence, harassment based on pushing Kiser
onto the bed, harassment based on pulling Kiser’s necklace, and harassment based on spitting and
throwing food.
3
No. 58784-0-II
1 Rep. of Proc. (RP) at 143-44. The trial court stated that it was admitting the evidence for the
purpose of showing that Kiser was in reasonable fear of the defendant based on Johnson’s words
or conduct.
III. TRIAL
The case proceeded to a jury trial. At the beginning of Kiser’s testimony at trial, the trial
court instructed the jury that the evidence of prior acts of violence or abusive conduct against Kiser
could only be considered for the limited purpose of determining whether Kiser’s fear was
reasonable under the circumstances and whether Kiser could identify the sender of the text
messages and the unknown caller as Johnson.
During her testimony, Kiser recalled an incident in January 2021, when Johnson spit food
into Kiser’s face multiple times and shoved her to their front door. Kiser tried to walk away to get
to their daughter, but Johnson repeatedly shoved her into the walls of the hallway. Once Kiser
made it into the bedroom with their daughter, Johnson continued to yell and spit food at Kiser.
Johnson shoved her onto the bed and ripped her necklace off. Johnson then left the room before
returning and shoving Kiser onto the bed again. Johnson said, “I’m going to kill you, bitch,” and
Kiser saw that he had a knife in his hand by his right hip. 1 RP at 326. At the end of Kiser’s
testimony, the trial court reminded the jury that it could consider this testimony only for the limited
purpose of determining whether Kiser’s fear of Johnson was reasonable and whether she could
identify the sender and caller as Johnson.
As soon as Johnson left the house that night, Kiser and their daughter left the home and
called 911. Kiser then moved to Vancouver, Washington and petitioned for a protection order
against Johnson. The trial court admitted the temporary protection order as an exhibit. Later in
trial, the trial court admitted multiple orders reissuing the temporary order as well as a final
4
No. 58784-0-II
protection order and an order denying modification or termination of the protection order. The
orders were not redacted, nor did either party request redaction. The orders included boilerplate
judicial findings that Johnson presented a credible threat to Kiser and that he would present a
“serious and imminent threat to public health or safety, or the health or safety of any individual by
possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon.” Ex. 5 at 5.
On June 15, 2021, Kiser called the police after she received multiple phone calls and text
messages from someone whom she believed to be Johnson based on the content of the messages.
The text messages read, “I knew u would run back to bj. I warned u not to make me look stupid,”
“Ima handle him as well,” and “I’m going to start a video call for us,” and included a hyperlink to
a video call. Ex. 10. BJ was an old friend of Kiser’s from high school.
While living in Vancouver, Kiser spent time with Cassandra Gill, who had two children
with Johnson. Kiser called the police again on June 22, 2021, after Gill called her and told her to
leave the house because Johnson was on his way there to kill her. Kiser recalled that Gill’s voice
was frantic as she told Kiser to pick up her daughter and leave immediately. Kiser grabbed her
daughter, fled the home, and called police. Kiser testified that she felt scared after Gill told her
Johnson was coming to kill her. The State admitted text messages between Kiser and Gill from
that night, confirming that Gill was warning Kiser and trying to calm Johnson down.
Gill testified that she had been having a normal phone conversation with Johnson when the
subject turned to Kiser possibly dating a new person. Gill recalled that Johnson went into a rage.
He told Gill, “I’m going to go kill that fucking bitch right now. I’m going to her house right now.
I’m going to fucking kill her.” 1 RP at 460. Gill tried to calm Johnson down but he hung up. Gill
described Johnson as furious and “flipping out the whole time,” screaming, yelling, and cussing.
5
No. 58784-0-II
1 RP at 461. Johnson called Gill back and continued to threaten Kiser while Gill tried to calm him
down. Johnson hung up on Gill and then called back several times.
Kiser also testified about text messages she received on July 5, 2021. Although there was
no contact information related to the phone number sending the messages, Kiser testified that she
knew they were from Johnson based on the content of the messages. She interpreted his statement,
“U got family and life takin away over some dumb shit” as him threatening to kill her family. Ex.
13. She also explained that one message’s reference to owing somebody $650 was a reference to
the security deposit on their prior apartment that he believed she kept from him. Kiser explained
that “‘2643,”’ in the text message, “‘Enjoy the rest of your short-ass life. 2643 delete delete,”’
referred to the passcode she used on her bank accounts, car lot, and “literally everything,” which
she had only ever shared with Johnson. 1 RP at 339-40. Kiser testified that she felt scared when
she received the July 5 messages.
Johnson testified at trial and denied ever calling or messaging Kiser. He claimed the
conversation with Gill where he threatened to kill Kiser never happened.
Prior to closing arguments and jury deliberations, the trial court instructed the jury,
To be a threat, a statement or act must occur in a context or under such
circumstances where a reasonable person, in the position of the speaker, would
foresee that the statement or act would be interpreted as a serious expression of
intention to carry out the threat rather than as something said in jest or idle talk.
Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 69. The instruction did not require the jury to find that the speaker had any
subjective state of mind with regard to whether the words uttered would be perceived as a threat.
As to count 1, felony harassment with death threats, the trial court instructed the jury that
to find Johnson guilty it must find beyond a reasonable doubt that on or about June 22, 2021,
6
No. 58784-0-II
Johnson knowingly threatened to kill Kiser immediately or in the future and that Johnson’s words
or conduct placed Kiser in reasonable fear that the threat to kill would be carried out.
The trial court further instructed the jury,
A person commits the crime of harassment, as charged in Count 03 and 04,
when he or she, without lawful authority, knowingly threatens to cause bodily
injury immediately or in the future to another person; or to cause physical damage
to another person’s property; or maliciously to do any act which is intended to
substantially harm another person with respect to his or her physical health or safety
and when he or she by words or conduct places the person threatened in reasonable
fear that the threat will be carried out.
CP at 74.3
As to count 3, misdemeanor harassment, the to-convict instruction stated that to find
Johnson guilty, the jury must find beyond a reasonable doubt that on or about June 15, 2021,
Johnson knowingly threatened to cause bodily injury immediately or in the future to Kiser, and
that Johnson’s words or conduct placed Kiser in reasonable fear that the threat would be carried
out. During closing argument, the State argued to the jury that the June 15 text, “Ima handle him
as well,” was the threat at the basis of count 3. Ex. 10; see also 1 RP at 568. The State argued that
the text reasonably caused Kiser fear based on the years of tension and violence she experienced
with Johnson.
As to count 4, misdemeanor harassment, the to-convict instruction stated the same but
referenced a threat made on or about July 5, 2021. In closing, the State argued that the message,
“Enjoy the rest of your short-ass life. 2643, delete, delete,” constituted a threat. 2 RP at 575.
3
Count 2 charged Johnson with violating a domestic violence court order and is not at issue here.
7
No. 58784-0-II
The trial court also instructed the jury again that it could consider Kiser’s testimony about
prior instances of domestic violence only for the purpose of determining the reasonableness of her
fear with regard to the threats and whether Kiser could identify the sender and caller as Johnson.
The jury found Johnson guilty as charged.
IV. SENTENCING
At sentencing, the trial court found Johnson’s offender score to be 7 on both felony
harassment and witness tampering with a standard sentencing range of 33-43 months. The State
recommended a 38-month sentence. Johnson requested he be screened for a prison-based DOSA.
The State opposed a DOSA, arguing that there was no showing of a nexus between the crimes and
Johnson’s substance use.
The trial court denied Johnson’s request to be screened for a DOSA and imposed a mid-
range standard sentence of 38 months of confinement. The trial court explained, “I don’t believe
this is an appropriate case to screen for DOSA. I don’t think prison DOSA, crimes involving
people, qualify for that.” 2 RP at 661.
Johnson appeals his convictions and his sentence.
ANALYSIS
I. ER 404(b) EVIDENCE
Johnson argues that the trial court erred by admitting ER 404(b) evidence to prove his
identity and, specifically, by admitting evidence of the knife incident without first finding by a
preponderance of the evidence that the incident occurred. We disagree.
We review the trial court’s decision to admit or exclude evidence of misconduct under ER
404(b) for an abuse of discretion. State v. Fisher, 165 Wn.2d 727, 745, 202 P.3d 937 (2009). A
trial court’s error in admitting evidence is reviewed under the standard for nonconstitutional error.
8
No. 58784-0-II
State v. Gunderson, 181 Wn.2d 916, 926, 337 P.3d 1090 (2014). A nonconstitutional error is
harmless where there is no reasonable probability that the error materially affected the verdict. Id.
Under ER 404(b), evidence of prior misconduct is categorically barred when it is offered
“for the purpose of proving the character of a person in order to show that the person acted in
conformity with that character.” State v. Gresham, 173 Wn.2d 405, 420, 269 P.3d 207 (2012). The
same evidence, however, may be admitted for proper purposes that include but are not limited to
“‘motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake or
accident.”’ Id. (quoting ER 404(b)). “ER 404(b) is not designed ‘to deprive the State of relevant
evidence necessary to establish an essential element of its case,’ but rather to prevent the State
from suggesting that a defendant is guilty because he or she is a criminal-type person who would
be likely to commit the crime charged.” State v. Foxhoven, 161 Wn.2d 168, 175, 163 P.3d 786
(2007) (quoting State v. Lough, 125 Wn.2d 847, 859, 889 P.2d 487 (1995)).
Before admitting evidence of prior misconduct, a trial court must, on the record, “‘(1) find
by a preponderance of the evidence that the misconduct occurred, (2) identify the purpose for
which the evidence is sought to be introduced, (3) determine whether the evidence is relevant to
prove an element of the crime charged, and (4) weigh the probative value against the prejudicial
effect.”’ Gresham, 173 Wn.2d at 421 (quoting State v. Vy Thang, 145 Wn.2d 630, 642, 41 P.3d
1159 (2002)).
A. Preponderance Finding
Johnson also argues that the trial court erred by admitting testimony of the knife incident
without first finding by a preponderance of the evidence that the incident actually occurred.
Essentially, Johnson and the State disagree as to how the trial court’s oral ruling should be
interpreted and whether the trial court’s language shows that it made the required finding. Johnson
9
No. 58784-0-II
contends that the trial court’s finding of a preponderance was limited to other bad acts—“‘[h]is
anger, his sarcastic comments, his threats of violence, drinking, breaking toys, throwing toys,
punching holes in walls’”—but did not include the knife incident. Br. of Appellant at 64 (quoting
1 RP 143-44). We disagree.
The record reflects that the trial court understood the requisite analysis in order to admit
the ER 404(b) evidence. The trial court specifically identified the factors it must consider in
making its ruling and walked through each on the record. The court discussed with the parties the
admissibility of the knife incident, in particular, and the fact that Johnson had been acquitted of
the charge involving the knife. It is unreasonable to interpret the record to mean that the trial court
properly conducted an ER 404(b) analysis as to some bad acts but not the one most at issue. The
more reasonable interpretation of the record, and the one we adopt here, is that the trial court noted
“[h]is anger, his sarcastic comments, his threats of violence, drinking, breaking toys, throwing
toys, punching holes in walls” as being part of the basis for its preponderance finding. 1 RP at 143-
44. Although the trial court’s finding that the knife incident also occurred may not be as explicit,
when the entire discussion is read in context, it is apparent the trial court properly found that the
knife incident was supported by a preponderance of the evidence in accordance with ER 404(b).
B. Improper Identity Evidence
Here, the trial court admitted evidence of Johnson’s prior bad acts for the purpose of
showing the reasonableness of Kiser’s fear. But the limiting instruction issued to the jury stated
that the evidence could also be considered to determine whether Kiser could identify the sender of
the text messages and the unknown caller as Johnson. Johnson argues, and the State concedes, that
admitting the evidence to show Johnson’s identity was improper. A prior act is not admissible to
show identity merely because it is similar, but only if it bears such a high degree of similarity as
10
No. 58784-0-II
to mark it as the handiwork of the accused. Foxhoven, 161 Wn.2d at 176. We agree with the parties
that Johnson’s prior bad acts here did not rise to this level of similarity, and we accept the State’s
concession.
Because the trial court improperly instructed the jury that evidence of Johnson’s prior bad
acts could be considered to prove Johnson’s identity, we must address whether the court’s error
was harmless. State v. Ashley, 186 Wn.2d 32, 47, 375 P.3d 673 (2016). “Erroneous admission of
evidence in violation of ER 404(b) is harmless unless there is a reasonable probability that the
verdict would have been materially different but for the error.” Id. Here, there is no reasonable
probability that the admission of Johnson’s prior bad acts for consideration of his identity caused
the verdict to be materially different.
The evidence was admitted for the proper purpose of showing Kiser’s reasonable fear and
therefore the evidence was already in the minds of the jurors. Id. at 48. Johnson argues that despite
the evidence’s otherwise proper admission, the error in instructing the jury that it could consider
the same evidence for identity is not harmless because Johnson specifically disputed whether he
was the person who sent the text messages and made the phone calls. We disagree.
Johnson testified at trial that he never sent the messages or called Kiser. But the jury did
not find him credible. Moreover, the evidence that Johnson sent the messages and made the calls
was based on Kiser’s testimony regarding the content of the messages, not on Johnson’s prior bad
acts. Kiser testified that she knew the text messages were from Johnson based on the content of
the messages themselves, which included details that only Johnson would know such as the amount
of their previous security deposit and her passcode. Given that the evidence was otherwise properly
before the jury and the State’s theory on identification did not hinge on Johnson’s prior bad acts,
we hold that the trial court’s error was harmless.
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No. 58784-0-II
II. CONSTITUTIONALITY OF HARASSMENT STATUTE
In his supplemental appellate brief, Johnson argues that all of his harassment convictions
must be reversed because Washington’s harassment statute, RCW 9A.46.020, is unconstitutional.
We disagree.
Under RCW 9A.46.020(1)(a)(i) 4 , a person is guilty of harassment if they knowingly
threaten to cause bodily injury. Harassment involving a death threat is a class C felony. RCW
9A.46.020(2)(b); State v. Johal, 33 Wn. App. 2d 408, 413, 561 P.3d 1235 (2025). The knowledge
element requires the defendant to know they were conveying a threat and to know that the
communication was a threat to harm or kill the threatened person or another person. State v.
Calloway, 31 Wn. App. 2d 405, 417, 550 P.3d 77 (2024), review granted, No. 103374-5 (Wash.
Dec. 4, 2024). Following the United States Supreme Court’s recent decision in Counterman, the
First Amendment also requires a showing the defendant acted at least recklessly by “consciously
disregard[ing] a substantial risk that [the] communications would be viewed as threatening
violence.” 600 U.S. at 69.
In Calloway, we held that there was “no direct conflict between the statutory language and
the Counterman articulation of what amounts to a true threat.” 31 Wn. App. 2d at 420. And instead
of declaring the harassment statute unconstitutional, “[w]e need only hold . . . that the State must
prove the defendant was at least “‘aware that others could regard [the] statements as threatening
violence and deliver[ed] them anyway.’” Id. (second and third alteration in original) (internal
quotation marks omitted) (quoting Counterman, 600 U.S. at 79). Therefore, consistent with
Calloway, we hold that RCW 9A.46.020 is not unconstitutional.
4
We cite the current version of RCW 9A.46.020 as the relevant language has not changed.
12
No. 58784-0-II
III. IMPROPER JURY INSTRUCTIONS
Johnson argues that his harassment convictions must be reversed because the harassment
jury instructions failed to define a true threat as required under Counterman. The State responds
that Johnson failed to preserve this issue for appeal and, if we reach the merits, that the jury
instructions were erroneous but the error was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. We hold that
Johnson may raise this issue for the first time on appeal, but the error was harmless beyond a
reasonable doubt.
A. Preservation of Error
Generally, we will not consider issues raised for the first time on appeal. State v. Frieday,
33 Wn. App. 2d 719, 743, 565 P.3d 139 (2025). Under RAP 2.5(a), we may refuse to review any
claim of error that was not raised in the trial court. This principle helps avoid unnecessary appeals
by ensuring that the trial court has the opportunity to correct any errors. Frieday, 33 Wn. App. 2d
at 743.
Here, Johnson did not object to the jury instructions at his September 2023 trial, despite
the fact that Counterman had been decided in June 2023, two months earlier. The State argues, as
an initial matter, that when a defendant raises a new argument for the first time on appeal, they
must generally address RAP 2.5(a) in their briefing. Id. at 744. Otherwise, we consider the issue
waived. Id.; see also State v. Lindsey, 177 Wn. App. 233, 247, 311 P.3d 61 (2013) (declining to
address issue raised for the first time on appeal where defendant failed to address any of the RAP
2.5(a)(3) exceptions); State v. Knight, 176 Wn. App. 936, 951, 309 P.3d 776 (2013) (declining to
address double jeopardy jury instruction challenge where defendant failed to make any showing
that the alleged error was manifest).
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No. 58784-0-II
Johnson contends that the trial court’s failure to instruct the jury on the correct mens rea
for a true threat is manifest constitutional error reviewable for the first time on appeal. The State
responds that Johnson’s contention does not amount to sufficient argument as to why the issue is
reviewable for the first time under RAP 2.5(a). While Johnson certainly could have made more
robust argument, his argument was adequate. In his opening brief, to support his contention that
the jury instruction error is reviewable for the first time on appeal, Johnson cited Sate v. Schaler,
169 Wn.2d 274, 287, 236 P.3d 858 (2010). There, the Supreme Court held that the failure to give
a “true threat” jury instruction was manifest constitutional error warranting review for the first
time on appeal. Id. This reference to controlling law on the reviewability of the same issue amounts
to sufficient argument regarding reviewability under RAP 2.5(a). Accordingly, we turn to whether
Johnson shows a manifest constitutional error in this case.
RAP 2.5(a)(3) permits appellate review of manifest errors affecting a constitutional right
raised for the first time on appeal. The parties agree that omission of a mens rea element of a crime
from the jury instructions is a constitutional error. Thus, our inquiry focuses on whether the
constitutional error was manifest.
“‘Manifest’ in RAP 2.5(a)(3) requires a showing of actual prejudice.” State v. O’Hara, 167
Wn.2d 91, 99, 217 P.3d 756 (2009) (quoting State v. Kirkman, 159 Wn.2d 918, 935, 155 P.3d 125
(2007)). Actual prejudice requires a plausible showing that the asserted error had practical and
identifiable consequences in the case. Id.
As the Washington Supreme Court explained in Schaler, the RAP 2.5 manifest error
analysis “is distinct from deciding whether the error was harmless and therefore does not warrant
reversal.” 169 Wn.2d at 284. There, the court determined the failure to instruct the jury on the First
Amendment’s “true threat” requirement was manifest constitutional error warranting review for
14
No. 58784-0-II
the first time on appeal. Id. at 288. The Schaler court explained that the failure to properly instruct
the jury allowed the jury to convict Schaler based on his utterance of protected speech. The Schaler
court noted that given the clear state of the law at the time that it instructed the jury, the trial court
could have corrected the error and thus the constitutional error was manifest. Id.
Given the similarities between this case and Schaler, we follow the “manifest” analysis
articulated in Schaler. Like in Schaler, here the trial court issued erroneous jury instructions that
allowed the jury to convict Johnson without finding that he acted recklessly, as Counterman
requires. Similarly to Schaler, the trial court could have corrected the instructional error given that
Counterman was decided two months prior to Johnson’s trial. We therefore hold that the error was
manifest and thus we must address it on appeal.
B. Constitutional Harmless Error
There is no dispute that the trial court’s instruction regarding what constitutes a true threat
failed to comply with Counterman. But “[e]ven manifest constitutional errors may be harmless.”
Schaler, 169 Wn.2d at 283. The “omission of the constitutionally required mens rea from the jury
instructions . . . is analogous to” the omission of an element of the crime from the instructions. Id.
at 288. Such an omission is thus subject to constitutional harmless error review. Id. Prejudice is
presumed, and the State must prove that the error was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt. State
v. Coristine, 177 Wn.2d 370, 380, 300 P.3d 400 (2013).
An omission of the required mens rea from the jury instructions “may be harmless when it
is clear that the omission did not contribute to the verdict,” for example, when “uncontroverted
evidence” supports the omitted element. Schaler, 169 Wn.2d at 288. Conversely, an “error is not
harmless when the evidence and instructions leave it ambiguous as to whether the jury could have
convicted on improper grounds.” Id.
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No. 58784-0-II
1. Count 1
Johnson’s conviction for felony harassment, as charged in count 1, was based on the
statements Johnson made during his phone call with Gill wherein he repeatedly threatened to kill
Kiser. He told Gill, “I’m going to go kill that fucking bitch right now. I’m going to her house right
now. I’m going to fucking kill her,” while he was “flipping out the whole time,” screaming, yelling,
and cussing. 1 RP at 460-61. Gill repeatedly tried to calm Johnson down but he continued to make
threats against Kiser. We hold that the instructional error on this count was harmless beyond a
reasonable doubt.
Gill testified Johnson repeatedly told Gill that he was going to kill Kiser. Johnson’s remarks
were unequivocal; they were made during a rage after learning Kiser may have been dating
someone else. Importantly, Johnson knew Gill regarded his statements as threatening violence and
delivered them anyway—Gill testified that she continually tried to calm Johnson down while
Johnson raged and threatened to kill Kiser. Johnson’s only response to this evidence was to say
that the conversation with Gill never happened, which the jury did not find credible.
Johnson argues that “[t]he second-hand nature” of the threat makes it more likely that it
was uttered as hyperbole or an expression of frustration to a confidant. Br. of Appellant at 33. We
disagree. In State v. J.M., 144 Wn.2d 472, 488, 28 P.3d 720 (2001), the Supreme Court held that
the perpetrator need not know or intend that the threat will be communicated to the victim. And
the person to whom the defendant communicates the threat may be someone other than the person
threatened. Id.
It would be unreasonable to conclude that Johnson may have thought Gill took his threats
as hyperbolic or in jest given the fact that Gill repeatedly tried to calm Johnson down. Johnson
was aware that Gill was alarmed by Johnson’s statements given her efforts to calm him and
16
No. 58784-0-II
nonetheless continued to repeat his threats to kill Kiser. Put another way, the evidence is clear that
Johnson was aware that Gill regarded his statements as threatening violence and delivered them
anyway. Moreover, although there are statements in our record indicating that Johnson may have
had a drinking problem, there was no testimony suggesting he was obviously intoxicated or that
Johnson did not know what he was saying.
Given the unequivocal nature of the statements and the circumstances under which he made
them, no reasonable jury would find that Johnson did not at least consciously disregard a
substantial risk that his communications would be viewed as threatening violence.
We hold that the jury instruction error is harmless beyond a reasonable doubt as to count
1.
2. Count 3
A person is guilty of misdemeanor harassment if, without “lawful authority,” they
knowingly threaten to “cause bodily injury immediately or in the future to the person threatened
or to any other person,” and they place “the person threatened in reasonable fear that the threat
will be carried out.” RCW 9A.46.020(1)(a)(i), (b). Here, the jury was instructed that to convict
Johnson as charged in count 3, it had to find that on or about June 15, 2021, Johnson knowingly
threatened to cause bodily injury immediately or in the future to Kiser.
a. Harmless error
Johnson’s conviction for count 3 was based on June 15 text messages including, “I warned
u not to make me look stupid,” and “Ima handle him as well.” Ex. 10. Johnson argues that the
messages were nothing more than a “vague, nonspecific statement,” but we disagree. Br. of
Appellant at 35.
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No. 58784-0-II
The content of the message is clear—Johnson warned Kiser not to go back to BJ, she
disobeyed him, and now she and BJ would suffer the consequences of Johnson “handling” them.
Nothing in the record suggests that the texts were sent in jest or as hyperbole, or that Johnson had
any sort of incapacity that implicated his state of mind when he sent the messages. Johnson’s only
defense was that he did not send the texts, which the jury found not credible.
Given these circumstances, no reasonable jury would find that Johnson did not at least
consciously disregard a substantial risk that his communications would be viewed as threatening
violence. Accordingly, we hold that the trial court’s jury instruction error was harmless beyond a
reasonable doubt as to count 3.
b. Sufficient evidence
Johnson also argues that the State provided insufficient evidence to prove that this language
threatened Kiser at all. A defendant who contests the sufficiency of the evidence admits the truth
of the State’s evidence and all reasonable inferences drawn from that evidence. State v. Trey M.,
186 Wn.2d 884, 905, 383 P.3d 474 (2016). Circumstantial evidence and direct evidence are equally
reliable. State v. Farnsworth, 185 Wn.2d 768, 775, 374 P.3d 1152 (2016).
When reviewing a claim of insufficient evidence, we do not “reweigh the evidence and
substitute our judgment for that of the jury.” State v. McCreven, 170 Wn. App. 444, 477, 284 P.3d
793 (2012). Rather, because the jury “observed the witnesses testify firsthand, we defer to the
jury’s resolution of conflicting testimony, evaluation of witness credibility, and decisions
regarding the persuasiveness and the appropriate weight to be given the evidence.” Id.
In his appellate brief, Johnson argues that the State failed to prove that he threatened to
cause Kiser bodily injury, as opposed to BJ. The State emphasizes that the text message threatened
to handle BJ “‘as well,”’ arguing that it meant Johnson was threatening harm against both BJ and
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No. 58784-0-II
Kiser. Br. of Resp’t at 25. At oral argument, Johnson appeared to concede that there is a reasonable
inference that “as well” meant any threat was also against Kiser. Wash. Ct. of Appeals oral arg.,
State v. Johnson, No. 58784-0-II (June 23, 2025), at 32 min., 9 sec., audio recording by TVW,
Washington State’s Public Affairs Network, https://tvw.org/video/division-2-court-of-appeals-
2025061025/?eventID=2025061025.
Johnson also argues that insufficient evidence supported a finding that the messages
constituted a true threat of bodily injury. The messages clearly referenced a warning not to make
Johnson look stupid, and then threatened the consequence of Johnson “handling” Kiser and BJ.
While “handling” may not be an explicit threat of bodily injury, threatening language need not be
literal to amount to a true threat. State v. Locke, 175 Wn. App. 779, 790, 307 P.3d 771 (2013).
Rather we review the facts and circumstances surrounding the statements. Id. Given Johnson’s
history with Kiser and his reference to having “warned” her, taking the evidence in the light most
favorable to the State, a reasonable juror could infer that the message constituted a true threat. Ex.
10.
Johnson also argues that insufficient evidence supported a finding that Kiser was placed in
reasonable fear. Kiser testified that she found the messages threatening. And her fear is evidenced
by the fact that she contacted law enforcement after receiving them. Moreover, the jury heard
testimony that these threats were made after Kiser experienced violence while living with Johnson,
and she and her daughter escaped. Given the context under which the messages were received—
despite an active domestic violence no contact order prohibiting Johnson from contacting Kiser
due to his violent actions—a reasonable juror could have found that Kiser was placed in reasonable
fear that Johnson would carry out his true threat to cause her bodily injury.
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No. 58784-0-II
Accordingly, we hold that sufficient evidence supported Johnson’s conviction in count 3.
3. Count 4
Johnson’s conviction for misdemeanor harassment, as charged in count 4, was based on
the July 5 text messages sent to Kiser stating, “Enjoy the rest of your short-ass life. 2643, delete,
delete.” 2 RP at 575-76.
This message threatened Kiser by suggesting that her life would be shortened. The fact that
the message was intended to be threatening is underscored by the inclusion of Kiser’s confidential
information. Kiser testified that “2643” was her passcode for “literally everything” in her life and
only Johnson knew it. 1 RP at 340. In context, the message is meant to inform Kiser that her life
would be shortened. The emphasis on her passcode—information that only Johnson knew—
showed not only that Johnson sent the messages, but also that Johnson had the information to help
him gain access to her private information, suggesting his access could facilitate the
accomplishment of his threat.
It would be unreasonable to conclude that Johnson was not aware that Kiser would take
the message as threatening. Johnson made these statements after he knew Kiser had involved law
enforcement over his previous threats. Nothing in the record suggests that these statements were
anything other than an intentional threat of violence against Kiser. Johnson did not offer an
alternative explanation for the texts—he denied ever sending them, which the jury clearly found
not credible.
Given these circumstances, no reasonable jury would find that Johnson did not at least
consciously disregard a substantial risk that his communications would be viewed as threatening
violence. Accordingly, we hold that the trial court’s jury instruction error was harmless beyond a
reasonable doubt as to count 4.
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No. 58784-0-II
IV. INEFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE OF COUNSEL
Johnson argues that his trial counsel performed deficiently by failing to seek redactions in
the no-contact orders admitted as exhibits. The orders included unredacted judicial findings that
Johnson presented a credible threat to Kiser and that he would present a “serious and imminent
threat to public health or safety, or the health or safety of any individual by possessing a firearm
or other dangerous weapon.” Ex. 5 at 5. The State concedes that this failure constituted deficient
performance but argues that Johnson cannot show that the deficient performance resulted in
prejudice. We agree with the State.
The right to counsel includes the right to effective assistance of counsel. State v. Crawford,
159 Wn.2d 86, 97, 147 P.3d 1288 (2006). To show ineffective assistance of counsel, a defendant
must show that defense counsel’s conduct was deficient and that the deficient performance resulted
in prejudice. State v. Reichenbach, 153 Wn.2d 126, 130, 101 P.3d 80 (2004); see also Strickland
v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 687, 104 S. Ct. 2052, 80 L. Ed. 2d 674 (1984). Defense counsel’s
performance is deficient if it falls below an objective standard of reasonableness. State v. Estes,
188 Wn.2d 450, 458, 395 P.3d 1045 (2017). Prejudice ensues if the result of the proceeding would
have been different had defense counsel not performed deficiently. Id.
As the State acknowledges, the failure to redact the judicial findings on the protection order
exhibits should not have occurred. Counsel should have ensured redaction of the no-contact orders
before their admission as exhibits. Moreover, we acknowledge that the findings would have
conveyed to the jury that a judicial officer thought Johnson was a danger to Kiser, and that if he
were allowed to possess firearms, he would present imminent danger to the public as well. But as
previously discussed, the evidence of Johnson’s guilt is overwhelming from the text messages
themselves, and to the extent he contends he did not send the text messages, the circumstantial
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No. 58784-0-II
evidence that he sent the texts was significant. Gill’s testimony that he made threats to Kiser was
also compelling, and the contemporaneous texts between the women provide confirmation that
Gill understood Johnson’s statements to be threatening. Moreover, the judicial findings in
boilerplate, pre-printed language would likely not have added much to what the jury already knew
given that Kiser had protection orders against Johnson. We cannot conclude that but for the
erroneous admission of judicial findings in the exhibits, the outcome of the proceedings would
have been different. Accordingly, Johnson’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim fails.
V. CUMULATIVE ERROR
Johnson argues that cumulative error deprived him of a fair trial. We disagree.
Under the cumulative error doctrine, the court may reverse a defendant’s conviction when
the combined effect of trial errors effectively denies the defendant their right to a fair trial, even if
each error alone would be harmless. State v. Lazcano, 188 Wn. App. 338, 370, 354 P.3d 233
(2015). The defendant bears the burden to show multiple trial errors and that the accumulated
prejudice from those errors affected the outcome of their trial. Id.
The trial court erred by giving an incorrect instruction as to the definition of true threat, the
protection order exhibits should have been redacted to hide the trial court’s findings as to the
danger that Johnson presented, and the trial court should not have allowed the jury to consider
Johnson’s prior instances of domestic violence for purposes of identity. But as previously
discussed, the evidence of Johnson’s guilt on his convictions is overwhelming. The threats to kill
Kiser that Johnson made in the phone call to Gill were both unequivocal and continued after it was
clear that Gill was taking them seriously. Gill’s testimony was corroborated by contemporaneous
texts and Kiser’s similar account of what Gill told her that day. The threats Johnson made by text
that were the basis for counts 3 and 4 were also unequivocal, and one contained details only he
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No. 58784-0-II
would know, contradicting his assertion that he was not the one who made the threats. In the face
of this evidence, Johnson fails to show that the accumulated prejudice of multiple trial errors
affected the outcome of his trial.
VI. SENTENCING ISSUES
Johnson also makes several arguments regarding sentencing and contends that resentencing
on both his felony and misdemeanor sentences is appropriate.
A. Eligibility For Prison-Based DOSA
Johnson argues that the trial court abused its discretion by refusing to consider a prison-
based DOSA, asserting the court erroneously believed that Johnson was ineligible. We agree.
Under RCW 9.94A.505(2)(a)(i), a trial court is ordinarily expected to impose a standard
range sentence, but under certain circumstances “the court may deviate from the standard range.”
State v. Yancey, 193 Wn.2d 26, 30, 434 P.3d 518 (2019). A DOSA is one alternative to standard
range sentencing that “give[s] eligible nonviolent drug offenders a reduced sentence, treatment,
and increased supervision in an attempt to help them recover from their addictions.” State v.
Grayson, 154 Wn.2d 333, 337, 111 P.3d 1183 (2005); see RCW 9.94A.660. Under RCW
9.94A.660(3), a DOSA may be prison-based or residential.
Defendants are not entitled to receive DOSAs, but they may “ask the trial court to consider
such a sentence and to have the alternative actually considered.” Grayson, 154 Wn.2d at 342. If a
person is eligible for a DOSA, the trial court decides if the DOSA is appropriate. State v. Hender,
180 Wn. App. 895, 900, 324 P.3d 780 (2014). If a judge denies a DOSA and imposes a standard
range sentence, that decision is usually unreviewable. State v. Bramme, 115 Wn. App. 844, 850,
64 P.3d 60 (2003). But a defendant may appeal a DOSA denial “if the trial court refused to exercise
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No. 58784-0-II
discretion at all or relied on an impermissible basis in making the decision.” State v. Lemke, 7 Wn.
App. 2d 23, 27, 434 P.3d 551 (2018).
In deciding whether to grant a DOSA, the trial court may properly consider the defendant’s
criminal history, whether the defendant would benefit from substance abuse treatment, and
whether the DOSA would serve both the defendant and the community. State v. Jones, 171 Wn.
App. 52, 55-56, 286 P.3d 83 (2012). A trial court may “consider the type or circumstances of the
crime” at issue. State v. Van Noy, 3 Wn. App. 2d 494, 499, 416 P.3d 751 (2018).
Johnson contends that the trial court erroneously refused to consider a prison-based DOSA
based on its mistaken belief that he was ineligible because his convictions involved crimes against
people. The State responds that the trial court did not mistakenly believe Johnson was ineligible,
but rather determined that a DOSA was not appropriate given the facts and circumstances of the
case. The State emphasizes that the trial court did not use the word “ineligible,” but rather that it
did not believe it was “‘an appropriate case to screen for DOSA.”’ Br. of Resp’t at 62 (quoting 2
RP at 661). But this ignores the trial court’s next sentence: “I don’t think prison DOSA, crimes
against people, qualify for that.” 2 RP at 661. Because the trial court erroneously stated that
Johnson did not qualify, relying in part on an improper basis for declining to impose a prison-
based DOSA, we must remand for the trial court to consider a prison-based DOSA sentence.
B. Offender Score
Johnson also argues that resentencing is required because the trial court erroneously
calculated his offender score for felony harassment. The State concedes that the offender score
was incorrect but argues that the error does not require the trial court to consider a residential
DOSA. We agree with the State.
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No. 58784-0-II
The trial court’s calculation of Johnson’s offender score for felony harassment erroneously
counted his witness tampering offense as two points. RCW 9.94A.525(21)(a-b) specifies which
felony domestic violence convictions count as two points for offender score calculation; witness
tampering is not one of them. Accordingly, Johnson’s offender score for felony harassment should
have been 6 and not 7. On remand, the trial court should impose a new sentence for felony
harassment within the new standard range.
Johnson argues that because of the lower offender score and corresponding lower standard
sentence range, he would now be eligible for a residential DOSA. The State agrees that Johnson’s
offender score for felony harassment should be a 6 requiring remand for correction of the judgment
and sentence, but the State argues that full reconsideration of a residential DOSA is unnecessary
because the offender score for witness tampering remains the same and becomes the controlling
sentencing term.
Johnson appears to agree in his reply that the higher sentencing range for witness tampering
makes Johnson ineligible for a residential DOSA and argues instead that Johnson might be eligible
for an exceptional sentence downward. But Johnson did not argue for an exceptional sentence
below. On remand, the offender score for the felony harassment conviction should be corrected,
and if necessary, Johnson should be sentenced to a term within the standard range for the correct
offender score.
C. Clarity of Judgment and Sentence
Johnson also argues that his misdemeanor judgment and sentence is unclear as to whether
the trial court ordered 364 days in jail or 12 months of supervised probation. The State concedes,
and we accept the State’s concession. The sentence for Johnson’s misdemeanors should be
clarified on remand.
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No. 58784-0-II
CONCLUSION
In sum, we hold that the trial court did not abuse its discretion by admitting ER 404(b)
evidence to show Kiser’s reasonable fear, and the trial court’s error in admitting that evidence to
show identity was harmless. Washington’s harassment statute is not unconstitutional. We further
hold that the trial court erred by improperly instructing the jury as to the requisite mens rea for
harassment but that this error was harmless. There was sufficient evidence to support the
conviction on count 3. Johnson’s defense counsel performed deficiently by not seeking redaction
of judicial findings in exhibits at trial, but Johnson fails to show the deficient performance
prejudiced him. Cumulative error did not deprive Johnson of a fair trial.
Accordingly, we affirm Johnson’s convictions and remand for reconsideration of a prison-
based DOSA, correction of his offender score for the felony harassment conviction, and
clarification of the judgment and sentence.
A majority of the panel having determined that this opinion will not be printed in the
Washington Appellate Reports, but will be filed for public record in accordance with RCW 2.06.040,
it is so ordered.
CRUSER, C.J.
We concur:
GLASGOW, J.
PRICE, J.
26