No Contact Order Violation in Bellevue

Defending yourself against a No-Contact Order requires challenging the basis for the order and presenting evidence showing it shouldn’t apply to you or the situation at hand. Whether you’re facing a No-Contact Order due to a criminal case, a family law issue, or as part of a protective order, you need a well-prepared defense.

Our Bellevue attorneys are here to help you understand the complexities of a No-Contact Order. With years of experience in Washington state law, we understand the challenges these orders can create in your personal, professional, and social life. If you’re facing a No-Contact Order, our team is here to provide the legal support you need to move forward.

What Happens With A No-Contact Order?

In Washington state, a No-Contact Order is a legal order issued by a court that prohibits an individual from having any form of contact with another person. Courts typically issue this order in situations involving domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or other criminal cases where one party is considered a threat to the other. Types of contact prohibited by a no-contact order include:

• No direct interaction or meeting in person
• No letters, emails, or text messages
• No calls or voicemails
• No online contact or tagging on social media platforms
• No communication through friends, family, or mutual contacts

A No-Contact Order can have serious legal consequences, and violating it can lead to additional charges and penalties.

• Misdemeanor Violation (First-Time, Nonviolent Offense):
  • Up to 364 days in jail
  • Fines of up to $5,000
  • A permanent mark on your criminal record
• Gross Misdemeanor Violation (Repeat Or Threatening Behavior)
  • Up to 364 days in jail
  • Fines of up to $5,000
  • Potential probation terms, including no contact with the protected party
• Felony Violation (Involving Assault, Threats, Or Repeat Offenses)
  • Up to 5 years in Washington prisons
  • Fines of up to $10,000
  • Additional penalties for underlying offenses

If you’re dealing with a No-Contact Order, speak with our knowledgeable defense attorneys in Bellevue. We’re here to help.

Can I Defend Myself Against A Restraining Order?

You can defend yourself against a restraining order in Washington state. The Courts grant restraining orders in cases involving domestic violence, harassment, or stalking. The person seeking the order must demonstrate a need for protection. If you’re facing a restraining order, here’s how you can defend yourself:

1. Attend The Hearing: The first step in defending yourself against a restraining order is to attend the hearing, during which you can provide evidence and testimony to challenge the claims made against you. If you fail to appear, the judge may automatically issue the order, and you will have no opportunity to present your side of the story.
2. Challenge The Allegations: You can dispute the claims made by the person seeking the restraining order. If the allegations of harassment, stalking, or abuse are false or exaggerated, you can present evidence such as:
   • Witness Testimony: People who can testify on your behalf and support your version of events
   • Texts, Emails, Or Social Media Posts: Communications that contradict the claims or show that you were not involved in any misconduct, which can be valuable evidence
   • Alibi: Proof, such as video footage, receipts, or phone records, to show that you couldn’t have committed the acts if you were elsewhere during the alleged incidents
3. Argue The Lack of Need For Protection: To obtain a restraining order, the petitioner must demonstrate that they need protection from you due to a threat of harm or an ongoing pattern of behavior. You can argue that the individual is not in danger or there is no legitimate need for the order. For example, if the situation was a one-time misunderstanding or isolated incident, you can explain that there is no ongoing threat. Further, if the Courts issued the order based on exaggerations or false accusations, you can provide evidence to refute the claims.
4. Show No Pattern Of Abuse Or Threats: If the Courts issue a restraining order based on allegations of domestic violence, harassment, or threats, you can demonstrate that no pattern of behavior would justify the order and provide evidence showing that there was no ongoing conflict or abusive behavior. If you have no history of violence or threats, you can present your record and any character witnesses to support your case.
5. Modify Or Dismiss the Order: If you can show that the restraining order is not justified or that it was issued based on false or exaggerated information, you can request that the judge modify or dismiss the order. If the courts have already granted the order, you can ask for a modification to make it less restrictive or even ask for its dismissal entirely.

While defending yourself against a restraining order is possible, it requires preparation and a solid defense strategy. Our Bellevue-based defense attorneys specialize in lifting no-contact orders. We’ll challenge the necessity and argue it was an overreaction.

Compassionate No-Contact Order Defense Lawyers

Bellevue has so much to offer, from relaxing at Bellevue Botanical Garden and shopping at Bellevue Square to enjoying a day at Meydenbauer Bay Park. However, a No-Contact Order can significantly impact your ability to enjoy everything the city has to offer. Whether it restricts your ability to see family or friends or limits your access to local favorites like Kelsey Creek Farm, Crossroads Bellevue, or Downtown Park, the consequences can have a lasting impact on your daily life. A No-Contact Order can make it difficult to engage in everyday activities, diminishing your freedom to fully participate in the life of this beautiful community.

Our Bellevue legal team knows that every No-Contact Order can be successfully challenged in court, with over twenty years of doing so in Western Washington state. Whether it’s proving the order’s unjust or seeking a modification, we are committed to fighting for a possible positive outcome. If you are facing a No-Contact Order, our team is ready to help you take the necessary steps to regain control of your life.

There are a variety of reasons why an individual may have a no-contact order put in place against them. Whatever the reason, the first thing you should do is take a deep breath when receiving the document and then carefully read it. Many people who are served out of the blue are angry and immediately want to contact the protected person. Obviously, this is not a good idea.

Once the order is put in place, it is now in the hands of a judge. You cannot reach out to the protected person to try to convince them to change their mind. That communication would typically be a violation of the order which could lead to a new criminal law violation! A protection order remains in place until a judge removes it. Sometimes this has to be done with a new order from the Judge. In other instances, the original issuing Judge put an expiration date on the protection order so that it will expire after a certain period of time, which means nothing further needs to be done. This is important to be aware of because, even if the protected party contacts you, if you respond, it is a violation of the order. The order remains in place even if the protected party initiates contact and wants to communicate. Only the judge can remove that barrier.

A normal no-contact/protection order prohibits you from making any type of contact with the person. This includes phone calls, emails, text messages, in-person communication, and even through third parties.

A typical no-contact order violation is a gross misdemeanor, which means the maximum penalty is 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. A violation could be charged as a felony if the “contact” was an assault. This means even if the assault would have been charged as a gross misdemeanor under normal circumstances, it will be charged as a felony because of the no-contact order. Also, if you have been previously convicted of violating the no-contact order, then you can also be charged with a class C felony.

If you are facing a criminal charge for violating a no-contact order or if someone is trying to have one put against you, contact Washington State Attorneys in Bellevue, WA. One of our firm's experienced Bellevue criminal defense lawyers can help you understand your rights and options.