No Contact Orders and Protection Orders prohibit one person from contacting, harming or harassing another person. A No Contact Order is a criminal order and is entered if the alleged offender is being charged and/or sentenced for a criminal offense. The court will usually determine whether this type of order is necessary when the alleged offender is released from jail on bail or personal recognizance, or when he is sentenced. No Contact Orders usually arise from domestic violence cases, though they can also arise from other types of criminal cases in Washington State.
In Washington State, a No Contact Order violation charge requires that the prosecution prove that there was a valid order in place, the offender was given valid notice of the order, AND the prohibited contact was made with the other person. An offender violates an order even if the protected person does not object to the contact.
Generally, Violation of a No Contact Order is considered a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, a maximum fine of $5,000, or both. However, Violations of a No Contact Order can be considered a class C felony if the violation occurs through an act of reckless endangerment or assault, or if the offender has two or more previous convictions for similar violations. A Class C felony is punishable by up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of $10,000, or both.
If you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of a criminal charge (NCO Violation or otherwise), immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Criminal lawyer is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.