Our Experienced Domestic Violence & Restraining Order Lawyers Are Here to Help
Hodgson Law Office has been providing legal assistance to clients experiencing domestic violence & restraining order legal matters for over 20 years. Our experienced lawyers are knowledgeable about Washington State laws and can help you navigate the complex legal process. We're located in Spokane, and we also serve clients in surrounding areas such as Spokane County, Stevens County, Lincoln County, and Adams County.
Our attorneys understand that these situations can be challenging and stressful, and we offer a personalized approach to each case to meet our clients' unique goals and needs. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and provide clear legal options. Our team is committed to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients and prioritizes honest communication throughout the legal process.
Legal Matters We Handle for Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders
1. Need Protection? We can Help You Get a Protection Order:
If you're a victim of domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or any form of abuse, our experienced lawyers can help you petition the court for a protection order. Protective orders can legally prevent your abuser from contacting you or entering your home, and they can face more serious criminal charges if they violate them.
2. Served With a Restraining Order? We Can Help:
If you've been served with a protection order in Spokane, it's essential not to violate it. Instead, consult with our restraining order lawyer as soon as possible. We can help you prepare for your legal hearing and even attend your hearing date with you.
3. Fighting an Unjust Restraining Order? We Can Represent You:
We can also help if you've been wrongly accused of domestic violence or received a restraining order that was made illegally. Our attorneys are skilled in representing clients who need to defend themselves against false accusations of domestic violence or restraining order violations. We'll fight to protect your rights and help you achieve a fair outcome in your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Spokane-Based Lawyers for Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders
What Is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?
A domestic violence restraining order is a legal protection order issued by a court to protect an individual who has been a victim of domestic violence or harassment from a family or household member. It can also prohibit the abuser from contacting or approaching the victim's children or other family members. Any person who fears physical harm, bodily injury, or being stalked by another individual such as a former spouse can obtain an order. This type of order is intended to provide necessary protection to true victims of abuse or domestic violence. However, it can also be misused by men and women to gain leverage in divorce cases or child custody disputes. In these cases, innocent individuals can find themselves facing the serious consequences of a restraining order. An experienced restraining order attorney can provide guidance and representation to ensure that your legal rights are protected if you're in danger or have been served with a restraining order.
Types of Restraining Orders Washington State
Several types of domestic violence protection orders in Washington State can keep you safe from domestic violence or harassment. By consulting with a restraining order attorney at our Spokane law office, we can help determine which is best for your situation.
Temporary Restraining Order
These are often granted to protect a person until court proceedings can take place, and they are most often used in cases of domestic violence. They're granted 14 days and need a court order to be extended.
Domestic Violence Protection Order
This is the most common order of protection in Washington State. It's a court order against a family or household member who has harmed you or threatened to harm you.
No-Contact Order
This order doesn't require a petition as it's part of criminal action proceedings. It prevents a person from making any sort of contact with you but generally does not last as long as a protection order. This order also doesn't award child custody or establish visitation.
Civil Anti-Harassment Protection Order
This type of order is used in situations where you are seeking a protection order against a non-family member. These often apply to stalker situations or disputes between neighbors and are helpful when a person has not been assaulted or threatened with bodily harm.
Don’t Face Domestic Violence Alone - Call Hodgson Law Office for Legal Assistance in Spokane, WA
The Protection Order Process in Spokane, WA
Obtaining a protection order can be a vital tool for individuals who are seeking legal protection from domestic violence or harassment. Protection orders, also known as restraining orders, are court orders that prohibit the alleged abuser from contacting or approaching the victim. The process of obtaining a protection order can be complex, and it's essential to follow the proper legal procedures to ensure that the order is granted and enforced.
1. Petition
The person seeking a protection order must petition the court. They may need to petition the District Court or the Superior Court depending on the circumstances of the case. A restraining order lawyer or court clerk can help determine what type of order is needed.
2. Judge Review
A judge will review the petition to determine if a temporary protection order is warranted. The petitioner may have to attend an ex-parte (one side only) hearing to explain the case to the judge.
3. Service
If the case seems valid, the judge will likely issue a temporary protection order against the alleged abuser (known as the respondent). The court will arrange for the respondent to be served with the order. The order typically restrains the respondent for two weeks.
4. Hearing
The temporary order will specify a time and place for a legal hearing where both sides will be allowed to speak before a judge. Both the petitioner and the respondent are allowed to have an attorney present if they wish. At the end of the hearing, the judge will decide whether to lift or extend the protection order.
What Are the Consequences of a Restraining Order Violation?
Violating a restraining order, even if you believe the accusations are unfounded, can have serious consequences. Some of the possible consequences of a restraining order violation include:
- Criminal charges, which may result in a misdemeanor carrying penalties of up to a year in jail or a felony charge depending on the severity of the violation.
- Fines, which can reach up to $1,500.
- Electronic monitoring, which may be required by the court and sometimes paid for by the violator.
If you've been falsely accused of violating a restraining order, it's pivotal to seek legal counsel immediately to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences.
Why Choose Hodgson Law Office as Your Lawyers for Restraining Orders?
At Hodgson Law Office in Spokane, we understand the importance of choosing the right family law attorney for domestic violence & restraining order matters. Here's why we're the right choice:
Extensive Experience
Our attorneys have extensive experience in family law, including domestic violence and restraining order cases.
Free Consultations
We provide free initial consultations to discuss your case and legal options.
Comprehensive Case Management
We handle all aspects of your case to achieve favorable outcomes.
Honest Communication
Our clients are a priority and we prioritize open and honest communication throughout the legal process.