Close

No Contact Order Violations

What is a No Contact Order?

No Contact Orders are similar to Protection Orders in that they prohibit one person from contacting, harming or harassing another person. However, there are differences with this type of order. A No Contact Order is a criminal order and can only be entered if the alleged offender is being charged with a criminal offense or if it is a part of the sentencing for a criminal offense. Also, the alleged victim does not need to actually petition for the order since it is part of the criminal case against the alleged offender. 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 commonly arise from domestic violence cases, though they can also arise from other types of cases that involve violence and/or harassment.

Violating a No Contact Order:

In Washington State, a No Contact Order violation charge requires proof that:

  • There was a valid order in place,
  • The offender was given valid notice of the order, AND
  • The prohibited contact was made

The burden is on the state to prove the above elements.

Prohibited contact includes both direct and indirect contact with the protected person, or being in close proximity to the protected person. The offender has violated the order even if the protected person did not object to the contact, or even if the protected person wished for the contact.

Penalties for a No Contact Order Violation in Washington:

Violation of a No Contact Order is usually considered a gross misdemeanor, which RCW §9A.20.021 defines as punishable by up to one year in jail, a maximum fine of $5,000, or both.

However, violation of a No Contact Order can be considered a class C felony if it occurred through an act of reckless endangerment or assault, or if the offender has two or more previous convictions for similar violations, in which case, pursuant to RCW §9A.20.021, it is punishable by up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of $10,000, or both.

Defending a No Contact Order Violation Charge:

There are multiple strategies for defending a No Contact Order violation charge. One example would be challenging any of the above elements, if possible. You might be able to prove that the No Contact Order was invalid, that you were not aware of the order, or that you did not, in fact, make any contact with the protected person. Your defense strategy is crucial, and the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney is strongly advised.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
Mark C. Blair has no rival in his field in Seattle. A consummate professional. Communication was brief, straightforward, easy to understand, and without a typical condescending tone you can sometimes experience from attorneys on top of their field. Correspondence was timely and always affective. Any in need of criminal defense, should have a conversation with Mr. Blair, and you will quickly see and feel, no further contacts, referrals, or phone calls need be made. The money and time that can be saved by streamlining future contact and collateral damage in the sentencing process will far and away be worth every penny of the fee structure. Thank you very very much Mark Blair. N.Mark French
★★★★★
Sara Kim of BlairKim is a great attorney. I had never before had representation or dealt with the legal system and she made it very easy for me. She converted the legalese into laymans terms for me and helped me to understand the steps of the process. When I hesitated on certain decisions, Sara gave me the confidence and encouragement to proceed – especially since it was most beneficial to me in the long run. Sara is very straightforward and professional while also being personable and pleasant to deal with. Tamara
★★★★★
Sara Kim was the perfect lawyer for our situation. We were determined not to involve the courts in our divorce. Within the first 30 minutes of consultation, Sara proposed an equitable formula for division of property which we used to negotiate an agreement that felt fair to both of us. Our flat fee arrangement with Sara covered the filing of paperwork which alleviated much pressure for us during a very stressful time. I highly recommend Sara for her flexibility, professionalism, and efficiency. Carrie
Contact Us