A Strong Defense Against Protection Orders In Seattle And Statewide

Allegations of stalking or domestic abuse can profoundly affect your life. A protection order – commonly called a restraining order – may severely restrict your freedom, limiting where you can go and whom you can contact. These orders can ripple through your family life, potentially impacting your custody arrangement, family law case and living situation. By working with a protection order attorney, you can protect yourself from these harsh consequences.

You will find a skilled defense at Cascade Lawyers in West Seattle. The firm’s founder, lawyer Jeremy Goodman, has more than a decade of experience. He and his team understand that every story has more than one side, especially in complex or toxic relationships. As your protection order attorney, Jeremy will listen to you, hear your side of the story and work with you to craft a robust defense that protects your rights, freedom and reputation.

Types Of Protective Orders In Washington

Washington law established many types of protective orders, each designed to address specific situations. The most common include:

• Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO): These orders are aimed at preventing future domestic violence by prohibiting contact and providing other safety measures. The petitioner (person seeking the order) must prove a relationship with the accused and recent incidents of violence or threats.
• Sexual Assault Protection Order (SAPO): These orders provide protection for victims of sexual assault without requiring any specific relationship between the accuser and the accused.
• Anti-Harassment Protection Order (AHPO): These orders are issued to prevent harassment that doesn’t amount to domestic violence. The petitioner needs to show a pattern of harassment that seriously alarms, annoys or emotionally distresses them and serves no legitimate purpose.
• Stalking Protection Order (SPO): These orders are designed to protect individuals from someone who follows, monitors, threatens or communicates with them repeatedly in ways that fear for their safety or the safety of their family.

While there are other types of protection and restraining orders, these are some of the most common.

Why Protection Order Cases Are Different Than Criminal Cases

Defending against protection orders involves different procedural nuances and legal considerations than defending against criminal charges. In protection order cases, the party seeking the order has the burden of proving the elements of their case. Importantly, because these cases are civil proceedings rather than criminal, they don’t need to prove their case “beyond a reasonable doubt.” They only have to show that it’s more likely than not that the behavior occurred. This means you will need a strong defense to counteract them.

At Cascade Lawyers, you will find a protection order attorney who is highly adept at navigating these complexities. The firm’s team understands the details of Washington law and the requirements for each type of protection order. They can work diligently to shield you from the burdens of an order against you.

A Robust Defense Against Related Criminal Charges

In addition to defending against protection orders, Cascade Lawyers is equipped to provide a robust defense against related criminal charges such as domestic violence, stalking, harassment and sexual assault. As an experienced domestic violence lawyer, Jeremy and his team won’t hesitate to fight for you at trial if needed. Their victories include winning not-guilty verdicts at trial in high-stakes felony cases.

They can also defend you if you’re facing criminal charges for allegedly violating an existing protection order.

Get Help Today

If you’re facing a potential protection order, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. Contact a restraining order lawyer by calling 206-970-3030 for a free consultation to explore your options and build a defense tailored to your circumstances. The firm takes cases throughout Washington state, including King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, Kitsap County and Thurston County.