Is it possible to get an emergency restraining order?

Yes, it is possible to get an emergency restraining order in Washington. This order is known as a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) and is used to protect victims of domestic abuse. The judge can issue a DVPO without the abuser being present, and the request can be made without a lawyer. Requests can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a court hearing will take place within a few days. In the hearing, the judge listens to both sides of the story and then makes a decision about the granting of the DVPO. The judge may order the abuser to stay away from the victim and/or their home, provide financial support, and/or surrender any firearms they may own. The DVPO will also include an expiration date, which can be up to one year. After that point, the judge can review the status of the order and may extend it or let it expire. It is important to remember that a DVPO is a civil order rather than a criminal one. This means that the abuser can face legal penalties if they violate the order, but it is not classified as a criminal offense. Ultimately, the DVPO is meant to protect the victim from harm and is an important tool for those facing domestic abuse in Washington State.

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Is it possible to get an emergency restraining order?

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