Domestic violence threatens many families in Seattle and throughout Washington State. Securing a protective order can help to protect you if a spouse, domestic partner, or family member is violent, abusive, or threatening. However, there are also situations where domestic violence is falsely alleged, whether because of an argument or bad break-up or for other reasons. Whether you need assistance obtaining a domestic violence protection order or defending against one, Jennifer Horwitz Law can help.
Lead attorney Jennifer Horwitz works to help clients obtain domestic violence protection orders when there is NOT a pending family law case. When the protection order is sought against a spouse or co-parent where there is also a pending family law case, the protection order will be consolidated with the family law case and should be handled by a family law attorney. Jennifer also defends clients against restraining orders based on false allegations when not connected to a family law proceeding.
Above all, Jennifer Horwitz is committed to protecting and advocating for you. Contact Jennifer today for a confidential consultation.
What Is A Domestic Violence Order of Protection?
A domestic violence protection order (DVPO) is a court order issued to protect a person from abuse, harm, or harassment by family or household members. Under Washington law, family or household members include:
- Spouses and former spouses
- Parents who have children in common
- Current or former dating partners
- Adults related by blood or marriage
- Adults residing together or who have resided together in the past
- Persons with a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and grandparents.
Depending on the scope, a DVPO can:
- Restrain the respondent from committing acts of domestic violence
- Exclude the respondent from a dwelling that the parties share, the petitioner’s home, workplace, or school, or from the school or daycare of a child
- Prohibit the respondent from knowingly coming or remaining within a specified distance of a specified location
- Order the respondent to cease contacting the petitioner by phone, text, mail, or email
- Order the respondent to a state-sanctioned domestic violence prevention training program
- Require the respondent to surrender firearms
Representing Petitioners In Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Domestic violence protection orders are typically issued in a civil proceeding when someone has suffered violence, abuse, harassment, or threats of harm from a family member or a person they know intimately. The person seeking the protection order (the petitioner) must prove they have a relationship with the threatening person (the respondent).
The court will grant an immediate, temporary order until your next court date and decide at that time whether to issue an order for up to one year or make the order permanent. A DVPO in Washington may be permanent if there are “aggravating circumstances,” such as:
- Use of a weapon
- Bodily injury
- Violent history
- Repeated violations
- Violation of an existing domestic violence protection order
The best way to protect yourself is to work with an experienced Seattle domestic violence protection order attorney. Jennifer Horwitz has successfully represented petitioners seeking protection orders and will provide you with the compassionate representation you need and deserve.
Representing Respondents in Protective Orders
If you are the respondent in a domestic violence protection order, you may also face criminal charges of domestic violence. For this reason, it is crucial to contact an experienced domestic violence defense attorney to protect your rights and reputation.
You can trust Jennifer Horwitz to fight aggressively for you and protect your future. One of the most common defenses is self-defense if the respondent can show that the petitioner was abusive or threatening. It may also be possible to show that the reported incident was an argument that did not violate any laws.
Why Choose Jennifer Horwitz?
Jennifer Horwitz is well aware that domestic violence is a serious matter that must be dealt with immediately and effectively. If a family or household member is abusive or threatening, she can help you obtain a domestic violence protection order. Jennifer also knows that protective orders may be unwarranted in many situations. Above all, Jennifer Horwitz is committed to keeping families in Seattle safe and handling domestic violence cases with diligence and care.
Contact Our Experienced Seattle Domestic Violence Protection Order Attorney
Jennifer Horwitz has a well-deserved reputation as a dedicated advocate who provides each client with powerful representation during difficult times. Whether you need help obtaining or defending a domestic violence protection order, you can trust Jennifer to stand by you every step of the way. Once you become a client of Jennifer Horwitz Law, you will have peace of mind with Jennifer at your side. Contact Jennifer today to learn how she can help.