Restraining Order or Protection Order?
A protection order is different from a restraining order. A protection order is issued by a judge in a domestic violence case in order to prohibit interaction of the defendant with the alleged victim. Under RCW 10.99, a protection order prohibits a defendant from contacting or interacting with the victim, the victim’s children, or the victim’s family. A restraining order is issued after someone files an affidavit attesting to being threatened by you. Under RCW 26.50, after the initial affidavit is filed, a temporary restraining order goes into effect for 14 days. Afterward, a hearing is held to determine if the restraining order is justified and if it needs to be extended. At the hearing, you can retain a lawyer to represent you and present evidence to dispute the claims against you.
