Types of Protection Orders
There are different types of protection orders that apply to different people and different scenarios. The primary purpose of most court orders is to keep the “respondent” or “defendant” from contacting or harming the “petitioner” or “victim/witness.” Violation of these orders could result in criminal prosecution. If you or someone you know is feeling threatened, it’s important to understand which protection order may be right for you.
Civil orders are orders you request. Criminal orders are requested by WA State (through a prosecutor) in a criminal case.
CIVIL ORDERS
Orders that you request
Domestic Violence Protection Order
May be filed by someone who is experiencing physical harm, bodily injury, assault, stalking, sexual assault OR who fears imminent physical harm or bodily injury by a family or household member.
Stalking Protection Order
May be filed by someone who is experiencing stalking conduct by someone who is NOT a family or household member.
Anti-harrassment Protection Order
May be filed against someone who has engaged in a willful course of conduct that is unlawful or harassing and that seriously alarms, annoys or causes emotional distress and that serves no lawful purpose.
Sexual Assault Protection Order
May be filed by someone who is experiencing nonconsensual sexual conduct or nonconsensual sexual penetration by someone who is NOT a family or household member. A single incident is sufficient to pursue a SAPO.
Vulnerable Adult Protection Order
May be filed by a vulnerable adult, a guardian or “interested third party” against someone is accused of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation or neglect or against someone who threatens to commit abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation or neglect.
Extreme Risk Protection Order
May be filed by a family or household member or law enforcement against someone they believe poses a significant danger to self or others by having access to, the ability to purchase or receive, or actual possession of a firearm.
Restraining Order
Must be filed as part of a family law case (e.g. Dissolution/Divorce, legal separation, parenting plan, etc.). If you do not have an open family law case refer back to the types of orders listed above to determine which type of order to file.
Washington VINE Protective Order (WA VPO)
An automated service that helps keep petitioners and crime victims informed by automatically notifying them when protective orders have been served against a respondent and when they are about to expire. You can also register to be notified if the person you are protected from applies to purchase a firearm or for a concealed weapons permit.
Visit the VINE website: www.registervpo.com Or call: 1 (877) 242-4055
CRIMINAL ORDERS
Orders prosecutors request for victims and/or witnesses in criminal cases.
No Contact Orders
May be issued in criminal cases involving domestic violence prohibiting a defendant from contacting victims of or witnesses to such a crime. A No Contact Order may be issued despite a victim’s or witness’s objection to it.The order can be in place as long as the case being handled by the court.
Harassment No Contact Orders
May be issued in criminal cases involving a crime of harassment prohibiting a defendant from contacting victims of or witnesses to such a crime. A No Contact Order may be issued despite a victim’s or witness’s objection to it. The order can be in place as long as the case is being handled by the court.
