Restraining Order Attorney in Everett, WA
Criminal Defense Experience on Both Sides of a Protection Order
Whether you need protection from someone threatening your safety or you’ve just been served with an order filed against you, the decisions made in the next few days carry serious weight. Snohomish Law PLLC represents both petitioners seeking protection and respondents contesting orders throughout Everett and Snohomish County. Our criminal defense background gives us a different lens for handling these cases.
Attorney Scott W. Lawrence brings nearly 20 years of criminal defense experience and over a decade of work as a licensed private investigator. That combination means we examine protection order petitions the way investigators do: looking for inconsistencies, missing context, and claims that don’t hold up under scrutiny. It also means we know how to build and present evidence when our clients are the ones seeking protection. We have a 90% success rate and offer free consultations with 24/7 availability, in-office or virtually. We serve clients in English, Russian, and Ukrainian.
If you’re facing a protection order matter in Everett, time moves fast. Call us now at (425) 321-3487 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Types of Protection Orders in Washington State
Washington consolidates its civil protection order laws under RCW 7.105, which defines several distinct order types. Each has different eligibility requirements, and filing in the wrong category can delay or defeat a petition entirely.
- Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) apply when the parties share a qualifying relationship: current or former spouses, people with a child in common, current or former household members, or people in a dating relationship.
- Anti-Harassment Orders cover situations where no domestic relationship exists. Most are filed at the District Court level in Snohomish County, though some cases are handled at Snohomish County Superior Court.
- Stalking Protection Orders require a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and that actually causes such distress to the petitioner.
- Sexual Assault Protection Orders are available to survivors of nonconsensual sexual conduct regardless of whether criminal charges have been filed.
In most cases, a Temporary Order for Protection can be issued the same day a petition is filed. A full hearing is then scheduled, typically within about two weeks, where both sides have the opportunity to present their positions.
What a Protection Order Means for the Respondent
A granted order isn’t just a piece of paper. It can prohibit all contact, require the respondent to stay a set distance from the petitioner’s home, workplace, and school, and force removal from a shared residence. DVPOs typically require firearm surrender and bar the respondent from possessing weapons going forward.
Violating an order is a criminal offense in Washington and can result in immediate arrest. Even unintended contact can constitute a violation. Orders also appear in background checks, affecting employment and housing applications. For non-citizens, a domestic violence protection order can affect immigration status, green card eligibility, or naturalization proceedings. In custody matters, an order on record can shift visitation and parenting plan determinations significantly.
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“He is very knowledgeable in the DUI field and was able to guide me throughout the process. My case did go to trial as the public prosecutor was not giving any good negotiation. Scott analyzed the case and told me to take it to trial.”- Former Client
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“We appreciate his rapid responses to our questions, and the peace of mind knowing we had his experience on our side.”- Elizabeth
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“Not only did he win my trial, but his knowledge of the details and his negotiation skills were instrumental in achieving a successful outcome. He was able to navigate the complex legal system with ease and always had my best interests in mind.”- Former Client
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“As an experienced attorney, Scott worked diligently to present the facts of the case and ended up winning the case at trial. We would recommend Scott Lawrence, Attorney at Law, to anyone facing criminal charges.”- Former Client
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“I am incredibly grateful to Snohomish Law for their dedication and expertise in resolving my case. They were professional, compassionate, and kept me informed throughout the process.”- Justin K.
