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Understanding Protection Orders And What To Do If You’re Being Charged With Violating One

According to the Washington State Legislature, “A law enforcement officer shall arrest without a warrant and take into custody a person whom the law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe has violated” any form of a protection order. If you have been charged with violating a protection order, Verity Criminal Defense is here to help. We will help you create a legal defense, review evidence, and mitigate potential consequences.

To understand protection order violations, it’s important to understand common forms of protection orders. Different forms of a protection order include, but are not limited to:

  • domestic violence protection order

  • sexual assault protection order

  • stalking protection order

  • vulnerable adult protection order

  • Canadian domestic violence protection

Provided below is basic information about common forms of a protection order.

Domestic Violence Protection Order

Who can get this protection order?

Spouses/partners, dating relationships, having a child together, related by blood, parent-child relationships, and legal guardians.

What does this protection order limit?

Any kind of contact, entering a shared residence, custody of children, owning firearms/dangerous weapons, and essential possessions.

Sexual Assault Protection Order

Who can get this protection order?

Anyone who is 15 years or older, a parent or guardian of a minor, a person on behalf of a vulnerable adult, or a person on behalf of an adult who is not a vulnerable adult and cannot file for themself.

What does this protection order limit?

Any kind of contact, knowingly coming within a specified distance of the petitioner and owning firearms/dangerous weapons.

Antiharassment Protection Order

Who can get this protection order?

Anyone who is 15 years or older, a parent or guardian of a minor, a person on behalf of a vulnerable adult, or a person on behalf of an adult who is not a vulnerable adult and cannot file for themself.

What does this protection order limit?

Any kind of contact, knowingly coming within a specified distance of the petitioner and owning firearms/dangerous weapons.

To find a full list containing different types of Washington State protection orders and information about them, click here.

What should I do if I’m charged with violating a protection order?

If you are being charged with violating any form of a protection order, contact the experts at Verity Criminal Defense to request a free case review. We will help you review the evidence and mitigate potential consequences. Give us a call to find out where you stand and the next steps in planning your legal defense.

Verity Criminal Defense