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Sexual Assault Protection Orders

Seattle Lawyers Helping Seek or Defend Against Civil Injunctions

The State of Washington takes sexual assault very seriously. It recognizes that in addition to physical pain and injury, sexual assault instills terror, humiliation, and degradation in a victim. Women are raped every six minutes in this country, and it is an underreported crime. Even victims who do not report sexual assault to the police may seek protection from their attackers. A victim may seek a civil solution to the problem by asking for a sexual assault protection order. The order can tell the alleged offender to keep away from the victim. At Blair & Kim, our Seattle civil protection order attorneys can help people pursue this type of remedy or present a persuasive case for why it should not be imposed on them.

Situations When a Sexual Assault Protection Order May Apply

Under RCW 7.90.020, a victim of sexual assault may petition for a sexual assault protection order. The legislature intended a sexual assault protection order to provide a remedy for people who have been attacked sexually but do not qualify for a domestic violence order of protection. The order may require an alleged perpetrator to keep away from the victim, or it may order the alleged perpetrator to keep away from the victim's residence or workplace. Sometimes it does both.

While domestic violence protection orders are remedies intended to assist in getting abused victims out of a domestic or household relationship, sexual assault protection orders may help protect people outside a domestic or household relationship. For example, if a college student was raped by a fellow classmate whom she knew in no other context, a sexual assault protection order would address her need to maintain a safe distance from her assaulter. Since the classmate and she were not dating or living together, she would not qualify for protection through a domestic violence protection order.

The petition needs to state that there has been nonconsensual sexual conduct or penetration. Sexual assault, as defined by law, is sexual touching of private parts without freely given agreement, either directly or through clothing. It may also include any type of sexual penetration by someone else's body part, and it may include the forced display of private areas in order to sexually arouse someone else. The petitioner needs to include an affidavit in which they state the specific actions and statements that were made during the assault or immediately afterward that make the petitioner reasonably fearful of future dangerous actions.

A victim of sexual assault who is 16 or older may petition the court to get a sexual assault protection order. Victims under age 16 need parents or guardians to petition on their behalf. Third parties may also file on behalf of vulnerable adults or other victims who cannot file because they are disabled, elderly, in poor health, or unable to access the court system.

The petitioner and the respondent need to let the court know about any other non-contact orders, protection orders, restraining orders, or any other litigation that may be going on between them. For example, if they are divorcing, they would need to let the court know about the divorce litigation. However, the petitioner may submit this petition regardless of whether there are any other legal matters or actions between them.

Within 90 days of receiving a master copy, all court clerk's offices are supposed to make available certain standardized forms and information materials required under RCW 7.90.180. The petitioner need not post a bond to get the order, and if they allege in the petition that the disclosure of their address risks them or a family member being abused, the address may be withheld from filings with the court. If a petitioner does not disclose an address, they may designate an alternative address to receive notice of motions and orders.

Retain a Civil Protection Order Lawyer in Seattle

Sexual assault is a highly charged crime. In some cases, obtaining a sexual assault order is appropriate, while in other cases, the circumstances surrounding the order may suggest that it is being sought for an improper purpose. Whether you are petitioning for or opposing a sexual assault protection order in Seattle, you need to hire an attorney who understands all of the aspects of your case. Our firm has a criminal defense attorney as well as a family law attorney, so we can look at your whole case and come up with a strategy to address your entire situation. We also represent people in Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue, and elsewhere in King County. Call us at (206) 622-6562 or contact us via our online form to arrange an appointment. We also can assist you if you need a domestic violence lawyer to seek or oppose that type of order.


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
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