No Contact Order Violation in Olympia

If you want to keep your freedom and future intact, you must learn just how serious a no-contact order violation in Olympia can be. This kind of offense can have severe consequences that can affect different aspects of your life. Because the court issues no-contact orders to protect victims of domestic violence, harassment, or stalking, it does not take violations of these orders lightly.

Whether the violation was intentional or a misunderstanding, the legal ramifications of this charge can be grave. You can receive criminal charges, jail time, and more if convicted. Being accused of violating these orders can make your situation even more complicated because the court might assume you were aware of the order and all of its stipulations.

In Washington, violating a no-contact order is considered a criminal offense. This charge can be classified as a gross misdemeanor or felony, depending on how many prior offenses you have, the nature of the violation, and if any harm was caused. All of this can influence the charges and bend the sentencing guidelines. Whether it was an accidental phone call, a brief encounter, or a repeated violation, they are all seen as severe in the court’s eyes.

Because you can end up facing fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record, you want to learn everything you can about these charges and how they can ultimately affect your life. Suppose you already have an ongoing case that involves domestic violence or assault charges. In that case, you might even see a modification to your bail conditions or even an outright ban in the more extreme situations, which can all complicate your ability to defend yourself adequately in court.

A skilled criminal defense attorney can help defend you against these charges. They will review all the details of your case, question the validity of the charges, and ensure your rights are upheld from start to finish.

What an Experienced Olympia Criminal Defense Attorney Can Tell You About These Charges

In Washington state, violating a no-contact order is a serious offense under RCW 10.99.050 because the orders are legally binding.

These violations are seen as gross misdemeanors in most cases, and the penalties can vary. A gross misdemeanor charge can land you up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. However, a felony charge comes with longer prison sentences. It can even escalate to a Class C felony and result in up to five years in prison and significant fines.

Intentional vs Unintentional Violations

No-contact order violations often happen either intentionally or unintentionally. Intentionally could be calling or meeting the protected party while unintentional acts would include being in the same location due to a misunderstanding. However, keep in mind that the law likes to lean toward you being aware of the orders, so you can’t always use being unaware as a valid defense.

Repeat Offenders

If you have previously been convicted of violating these orders, new violations can lead to worse charges and stricter penalties. Remember, there is an ongoing need for the court to continue protecting the victim. RCW 10.99.055 requires law enforcement to arrest and detain you if there is probable cause that you violated a no-contact order, pending your release on bail, personal recognizance, or by court order.

Order Modifications

Under RCW 7.105.500, If you violated a no-contact or adult protection order while you were out on bail or probation for another criminal case, there may be a modification made to the conditions of your release. This could mean stricter bail conditions or the revocation of the bail altogether.

Life in Olympia Amidst No-Contact Order Violation Charges

Living in Olympia provides you with natural beauty, culture, and that small-town charm that many people are attracted to. As the state capital, it also offers an exciting arts scene, excellent schools, and a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, from kayaking in Puget Sound to hiking in the nearby parks. The diverse community and progressive atmosphere of this city also make it a welcoming place for families, young professionals, and retirees.

However, like any growing city, it faces its own set of challenges, including incidents of domestic disputes and violations of no-contact orders. Understanding and following the laws concerning these are important for maintaining the harmony that makes Olympia such a great place to visit and live.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help With No-Contact Order Violation Charges in Olympia

A criminal defense attorney in Olympia can protect your rights and help you get through the twists and turns you might experience when dealing with no-contact order violation charges. They can evaluate your case, challenge the evidence being presented, and potentially minimize the impact these charges can have on your future.

We firmly believe that every no-contact order violation can be successfully challenged in one way or another. Our skilled attorneys have been defending criminal cases throughout Western Washington for years. So if you or a loved one are facing these charges, speak with one of us as soon as possible. We take all the steps necessary to ensure your case has a chance at a favorable outcome.

Our Olympia defense attorneys are experienced and aggressive advocates who will fight to protect your rights, keep you out of jail, and lessen the impact these charges can have on your future opportunities.

There are numerous reasons why someone may have a no contact order put in place against them. No matter the reason, the first step a person should do when finding out about it is to carefully read the court’s order. You need to know what the court is specifically ordering you to do or not to do.

A standard no contact order prohibits you from making any kind of contact with the protected person. This goes beyond phone calls or in person visits. This includes emails, text messages, spoke signals, and messages relayed through third parties.

It is important to understand that a no-contact order is an order by a judge. This is not an order by the protected party. This is an important distinction because there are instances where the protected party did not want the order but the judge put it in place anyways. So even if the protected party wants you to make contact with him or her, you cannot do so unless the court permits it otherwise you can get into trouble.

A violation of a no contact order is normally charged as a gross misdemeanor. This means the maximum penalty is 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. You could potentially even be facing a felony under a couple different set of circumstances. If the “contact” between the parties was actually an assault, you can be charged with a felony. For example, if the assault, by itself, would have been charged as assault 4° (a gross misdemeanor). It could actually be charged as a felony because of the no contact order. Similarly, if you have previously been convicted for violating the no contact order, you could be charged with a class C felony.

If someone is trying to put a no contact order against you or you are being accused of violating a no contact order, give our office a call. We will try to answer all of your questions and prepare you for what you might be facing.