Washington Protection Order Lawyer
Understanding Protection Orders in Washington
If you have been served with a protection order, it is a very serious matter that can have a big impact on your life. This includes criminal charges if you violate the restrictions set out in the order, loss of rights to possess a firearm, eviction from your home, or loss of parental rights.
Even if the allegations in the order are false, incomplete, or one-sided, not responding to an order promptly can still have a devastating impact on your life.
Likewise, if you need a protection order, you are at a tumultuous time in your life, and the advice and guidance from an experienced attorney can help you figure out your rights and the best path forward.
At the Neralich Law Firm, we can both help you get a protection order if you need one or help defend you if you are facing civil protection orders tied to allegations of domestic violence, harassment, or other misconduct.
If you need assistance with a protection order, call 206-701-9528 to speak with a protection order attorney who can help you fight back and protect your rights.
About Protection Orders
Protection orders in Washington can be granted for a number of reasons. All protection orders are granted to prevent potential harm or unwanted contact between parties.
The protection order courts are not criminal courts, and a respondent (the party being served) is not being formally charged with a crime. However, the respondent does become subject to protection order restrictions immediately once they are served. These restrictions are initially temporary, but can be ultimately enforced for a range of years, or even permanently, once the protection order is entered completely
The most common reasons protection orders are granted are as follows:
- ALLEGATIONS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: This is the most common reason for protection orders. These are called Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs). The allegations can be an accusation of physical harm, harassment, intimidation or threats, or any other abuse between family members, household roommates, or romantic partners.
- HARASSMENT: Protection orders may be granted if someone claims to have been harassed by repeated contact, being followed or surveilled, or through intimidation. Most of this occurs between neighbors, coworkers, or friends and acquaintances.
- SEXUAL MISCONDUCT: A protection order may be issued if someone alleges sexual assault or unwanted sexual contact, even if there is no criminal case.
- STALKING: A protection order may be issued if there are allegations of stalking behavior. If someone reports being repeatedly followed, monitored, or contacted in a way that causes them to be fearful, an order may be granted to prevent future contact.
- ABUSE OF VULNERABLE ADULTS:The elderly or infirm who are under the care of another may petition the court, or a third party may petition on their behalf for an order or protection for abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect. This can be done by the person themselves or a third party, even if the protected party does not want the order in place.
Responding to a Temporary Protection Order
Protection orders are generally granted when the Petitioner, the person seeking the order, files a petition and goes in front of a judge to request one. This is done without the responding party present (the Respondent), so only the Petitioner’s side of the story is initially heard by the court. Limitations on your rights begin as soon as you are served with this temporary order. These may include banning you from your home, restrictions on your guns, and other serious consequences.
A “full order hearing” is then typically scheduled two weeks after the temporary order has been granted. The full order hearing is where the Respondent has the right to tell their side of the story and present evidence on their behalf. Having legal assistance and presenting evidence, legal briefing, and knowing the law can greatly improve your chances of having the full order denied and getting the temporary restrictions lifted.
At the full order hearing, your attorney can assist you in presenting the entire story, addressing the allegations made against you, and helping you present your side of things in a safe, legal, and orderly manner that the court will understand. Acting quickly, once you are served, can mean the difference between getting the order dismissed and lifted and having it entered against you.
While you may represent yourself, doing so can be a mistake, as the court will not care if you are unfamiliar with the law and process. Even if the claims made against you are false, you will still benefit from assistance in making the correct legal arguments to get the order dismissed or reduced.
That can mean finding witnesses, getting statements, tracking down and presenting your own evidence, and responding to each one of the allegations made against you in the petition.
Perhaps most importantly, if there is a related criminal case or the potential for one, we can help you avoid making statements that could hurt you in criminal proceedings.
What Happens After A Protection Order Is Granted?
Most protection orders granted after a full hearing last at least one year. If an order is granted against you, we can still help you build up a case to get the order lifted or amended down the road. We can also explain the restraints the court is placing upon you so that you do not mistakenly violate them and get charged with a crime.
What To Do After Being Served With a Protection Order?
Being served with a protection order can be a confusing and scary experience. The court system is designed to act quickly while only hearing one side of the story. So, if you get served with an order, it will feel like you have not been heard. That is why you should contact The Neralich Law Firm. If you have been served with an order of protection, an attorney can help you respond quickly and legally and will protect your legal rights.
Our team can explain how protection orders work, how to respond to them, and how we can make sure that your side of things gets heard by the court. Your rights, certain freedoms, housing, and even family can be at stake, and we want to help.
Whether you have just been served with an order, need to file an order of your own, or want to address an order that is already in place, we can help.
Call 206-701-9528 or contact our office today and let us help you.