Charged with Violating a No Contact Order?
Violating a protection order or no contact order in Washington carries serious consequences, including potential jail time and additional restrictions on your freedom. At Snohomish Defense, we provide strategic representation for those facing these charges.
No Contact Orders in Washington
Washington recognizes several types of protective orders:
- Domestic Violence No Contact Orders: Issued in criminal domestic violence cases
- Civil Protection Orders: Obtained by individuals in civil court
- Restraining Orders: Typically issued during divorce or family law proceedings
- Anti-Harassment Orders: Protecting against harassment from non-family members
- Sexual Assault Protection Orders: Specific to sexual assault cases
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders: Related to firearms access
Understanding Violation Charges
Under RCW 26.50.110, violating a protection order can be charged as:
- Gross Misdemeanor: Standard violation, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and $5,000 in fines
- Class C Felony: Violation involving assault or when the defendant has two or more previous violation convictions
- Class C Felony: Violation involving conduct that is also a separate felony offense
Common Types of Violations
Violations can occur through:
- Direct in-person contact
- Electronic communication (calls, texts, emails, social media)
- Third-party contact or messages
- Proximity violations (being within prohibited distance)
- Returning to shared property
- Child custody/visitation violations
- “Accidental” encounters
Defense Strategies for No Contact Order Violations
Our attorneys employ effective defense approaches:
- Lack of Knowledge: Demonstrating you were unaware of the order’s existence or requirements
- No Willful Violation: Showing the contact was accidental or unavoidable
- Order Validity Challenges: Questioning whether the order was properly served or legally valid
- Constitutional Issues: Addressing vagueness or overbreadth in certain order provisions
- Identity Defenses: Proving you were not the person who made contact
- Emergency Exceptions: Establishing legitimate emergency situations
Consequences Beyond Criminal Penalties
Violation convictions affect:
- Current and future protection order terms and duration
- Family law proceedings and custody determinations
- Immigration status
- Employment opportunities
- Housing applications
- Professional licensing
Modifying or Terminating No Contact Orders
We assist clients with:
- Filing motions to modify restrictive terms
- Seeking termination of outdated or unnecessary orders
- Navigating the procedural requirements for modification requests
- Presenting compelling evidence for changes in circumstances
Why Choose Snohomish Defense for No Contact Order Violations
Our defense team brings:
- Specialized Experience with protection order cases
- Knowledge of both criminal and family law intersections
- Practical Understanding of local court procedures
- Strategic Approach tailored to your specific situation
Contact Our Washington No Contact Order Violation Defense Attorneys
If you’re facing violation charges, prompt legal representation is crucial. Contact Snohomish Defense today for a confidential consultation.