If you need help with a protection order, contact us here.
Types of Protection Orders
Washington courts can issue several different types of protective orders depending on the circumstances, including:
- Domestic Violence Protection Order
- Sexual Assault Protection Order
- Stalking Protection Order
- Vulnerable Adult Protection Order
- Extreme Risk Protection Order
- Antiharassment Protection Order
- Criminal No Contact Order
These orders are meant to protect individuals from unwanted or harmful contact from another person. Often the two parties are already involved in other ongoing legal disputes, such as a divorce, a guardianship, a criminal case, or a property dispute. A person seeking one of these orders usually does so by filing a petition (and is called a “petitioner”). The person against whom the petition is filed must respond to the petition (and is called the “respondent”).
We are experienced in handling litigation involving all types of orders, both for petitioners and respondents. Having the assistance of an experienced attorney can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.
Obtaining a Protection Order
Sometimes courts issue these orders in connection with a criminal case brought by the government. Other times, private citizens can petition a court for an order even when there is no criminal case. If you need assistance in obtaining one of these orders, our team can help you file a petition and represent you at all future court hearings. And if you have other litigation pending, or even if you think you might in the future, having an attorney assist you with the protection order process can ensure that you don’t jeopardize your other legal case.
Responding to Protection Order Petitions
We find there are two basic responses to being served with a protection order: 1) “I don’t want to contact that person anyway” and 2) “This is outrageous!” Regardless of how you feel about the possibility of being subject to a protection order, you should still consult with an attorney.
Violating a protection order is a criminal offense and can have serious consequences, including harsh jail and prison sentences. And even if you don’t violate the order, just having a protection order issued against you can also adversely affect your personal and professional life, and can also impact your legal rights, such as the right to bear arms or to travel to certain places.
So even if you have no personal desire to continue contacting the other party, if someone is seeking a protective order against you, you should still consult with an attorney to see what your options and are and to make sure you know how the order will affect you in the future.
We also know that, while protection orders are supposed to be a legal “shield” used to protect vulnerable victims, the process of obtaining a protection order can sometimes be used as more of a “sword” against the very person who needs protection. Sometimes this is done in retribution for some perceived wrong, or sometimes it’s a part of a pattern of ongoing abuse. In these cases, a good lawyer is necessary to help you gather and present evidence to help the court see the bigger picture.
What You Say In Court Matters
Whether you are seeking a protection order or need help responding to one, there is a good chance you will end up in court and will be expected to talk to a judge or commissioner. Court hearings are recorded, and what you say in open court can have impacts on your legal rights and on other legal cases, even in the future. Having an attorney to speak on your behalf and help guide you in responding to questions can help ensure the best possible outcome.
Whether you are seeking to obtain an order against someone else, or whether someone is petitioning for an order against you, having the assistance of an experienced attorney makes a difference.
If you need help with a protection order, contact us here.