Protection Orders

Civil protection orders often come hand in hand with a criminal investigation or charge. Other times, a civil protection order is initiated because another party feels they cannot get relief through the criminal process. While not the same as a criminal charge, a protection order is publicly available and can reflect poorly on the restrained party. Having a solid defense to a civil protection order is critical.

Civil protection order hearings are “special” proceedings and have relaxed rules of evidence, and their own special rules. Civil protection order also utilize a different “standard of proof.” What this means is instead of proving their case “beyond a reasonable doubt,” a person seeking an order only needs to meet a “preponderance” standard, which is “more likely than not” the events occurred as the petitioner (the person seeking the order) described, and that the events meet the definitions required in Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 7.105 (the protection order statute). This lower standard means that a strong defense is paramount. Oftentimes a successful defense against an order requires contradictory proof. The legal filings in these cases can be intense and lengthy.

Natalie has both assisted clients in obtaining orders and defended against orders. Natalie has also worked on several appeals for these orders and is very well-versed in this process. Natalie has assisted clients with vulnerable adult protection orders, sexual assault protection orders, domestic violence protection orders, and antiharassment and stalking protection orders. Natalie has also worked with parents filing on behalf of their children, and older teens filing or defending themselves in court. These orders often interplay with family law parenting plans or divorce proceedings, and Natalie works with clients’ family lawyers to ensure that the defense or implementation of an order is also thought out in co-occurring legal proceedings in family court.

These orders often have short turnaround periods of just a couple of weeks. It’s imperative that you obtain legal counsel quickly to assist you in obtaining or defending against protection orders.

If you or someone you love is in need of or facing a protection order proceeding without counsel, call Natalie Findley-Wolf at 206.228.2800 to set up a free one-hour consultation. Phones are answered 24/7.