Quite possibly, yes. When someone in Seattle or elsewhere in Washington obtains an anti-harassment order against another person, it’s not just a civil document. The order carries serious legal consequences if the restrained person violates it. One of these consequences is, in fact, possible time in jail. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you feel you have violated any type of Washington protection order.

What Is an Anti-Harassment Order?

An anti-harassment protection order is a civil order under Washington law designed to protect a person from harassment by someone who is not a family member or intimate partner.

The order is often used in situations involving neighbors, roommates, coworkers, acquaintances, or even strangers.

Violating a Washington Anti-Harassment Order Is a Criminal Offense

Violating the terms of an anti-harassment order is not just a breach of a civil order. Violating the order is a criminal offense under Washington law.

Under the statute, RCW 7.105.455, the court may impose criminal penalties on a respondent (or, the person ordered to comply with an order) if they willfully disobey key provisions of the order once they have knowledge of the order.

To secure a criminal conviction, therefore, a prosecutor must prove that you knew about the order and willfully violated it. If you did not receive proper notice, or you reasonably believed your conduct was permitted, these facts can become central to your defense.

Potential Jail Time

In most cases, knowingly violating an anti-harassment order is treated as a gross misdemeanor. A gross misdemeanor is punishable by:

  • Custody in jail for up to one year, and/or
  • Fines up to $5,000.

Please note that certain factors can elevate the seriousness of the charge. If present, these factors can result in more severe penalties.

For example, if you have prior convictions for similar protective order violations or related offenses, prosecutors may seek enhanced charges.

Further, if your violation involved certain “aggravating factors,” like threats, assaultive conduct, or reckless behavior that endangered the protected person, a prosecutor may pursue felony charges or other serious criminal consequences.

Contact Black & Askerov for Help

The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Black & Askerov have over 30 years of combined experience defending clients who have been charged with violating a protective orders. Our Seattle criminal defense lawyers also have the skill and commitment that makes all the difference in these cases. Contact us now to get the legal help you deserve!