In Washington state, protection orders are intended to protect someone “from another person whose behavior is abusive, threatening, exploitative or seriously alarming.” There are several different types of protection orders that courts can issue, with the primary goal of requiring the alleged harasser or abuser (called the “respondent”) to immediately stop contacting or interacting with the alleged victim (called the “petitioner”). Once the court issues a protection order, the respondent is obligated to adhere to its terms for a specified period of time. However, if the respondent violates the terms of the protection order in any way, they can face serious legal and financial consequences for these actions. If you have been accused of a protective order or DVPO violation in Washington state, you need immediate legal guidance to ensure that your rights remain protected at every opportunity. Get in touch with a highly experienced and trusted Washington criminal defense lawyer right away to receive effective legal defense for protection order violations.
Types of Protection Orders in Washington State
There are a few different types of protection orders that can be issued by the court in Washington state. Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs), Anti-Harassment, and Stalking protection orders may be put in place to protect vulnerable individuals from a respondent who repeatedly engages in abusive behaviors that make the petitioner feel unsafe. No-contact orders can also be issued by the criminal court to prevent the defendant from communicating with the protected person in any way. If you have questions about the specific details of protection orders, reach out to a knowledgeable Camas and Vancouver criminal defense lawyer for the answers you are looking for.
What Counts As a Protection Order Violation in Washington
Any failure to comply with the terms of a protection order in Southwest Washington can lead to serious penalties. Common DVPO and anti-harassment order violations include texting the petitioner, contacting them through social media applications, or attempting to communicate with them through third-party messaging. Another serious no-contact order violation occurs when the respondent appears in places that the protection order expressly prohibits, such as a shared home, the petitioner’s workplace, or the home of the petitioner’s extended family. Additionally, many protection orders prohibit the respondent from purchasing or possessing firearms, which means that violating these terms can trigger significant legal consequences. Depending on the details of the alleged violation, protection order violation convictions can carry penalties that could include jail time, additional criminal charges, probation violations, fines, and other lasting consequences.
Defending Against an Allegation of a Protection Order Violation
As soon as you learn that you are facing accusations of violating the terms of a protection order in the Camas, Vancouver, or Ridgefield area, you should hire a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense lawyer to ensure that you understand your legal rights and options. Together, you can explore potential defense strategies that can maximize your chances of securing a fair and favorable outcome. For instance, you can argue that the violation was accidental, and that you were unaware of the violation and had no intention of violating these terms. Or, you may show evidence that the protected party made false reports or allegations against you. No matter what the specific details of your case may be, you can trust that your dedicated legal counsel will work hard to keep your future as bright as possible.
If you have been accused of violating the terms of a protection order in Southwest Washington state, you need reliable and effective legal advocacy right away. Reach out to The Vern McCray Law Firm, PLLC, today at (360) 834-6262 to get started with a highly experienced and trusted Camas and Vancouver criminal defense attorney.
