What are the legal consequences for violating a restraining order?

In Washington, violating a restraining order is a serious matter that can lead to both civil and criminal consequences. A restraining order requires the restrained party to stay away from the protected individuals, including avoiding contact and communication. If a person violates a restraining order, they could face a civil lawsuit. A violation could result in fines or even jail time. In addition, the court may want to modify the restraining order and any conditions associated with it. For example, the court could add additional restrictions on the violating person. Criminal penalties for violating a restraining order in Washington include fines, jail time, or both. Depending on the severity of the violation, a person can face up to a year in jail with a fine of up to $5,000. Depending on the crime, a person may also have to surrender their firearms, attend a domestic violence rehabilitation program, and/or have their rights to contact the protected individual(s) restricted. In addition to the criminal penalties, violating a restraining order also carries a potential for civil liability. If the protected individual(s) suffered a loss as a result of the violation, they may be able to sue the violating person for damages, including costs of any court orders, lost wages, and/or reimbursements of medical bills. Ultimately, violating a restraining order in Washington State is a serious crime that carries both civil and criminal penalties. It is important to follow the requirements of a restraining order to avoid any consequences.

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What are the legal consequences for violating a restraining order?

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