In Washington State, a knowing violation of a court issued civil protection order is a gross misdemeanor criminal offense. It can become a felony criminal offense on repeat or aggravated violations. RCW 7.105.450(1)(a)(4)(5).

Under RCW 7.105.100(1), there are presently six types of civil protection orders in Washington where a knowing violation carries criminal penalties:

1. Domestic Violence Protection Orders under RCW 7.105.100(1)(a),

2. Sexual Assault Protection Orders under RCW 7.105.100(1)(b),

3. Vulnerable Adult Protection Orders, RCW 7.105.100(1)(d),

4. Anti Harassment Protection Orders, RCW 7.105.100(f),

5. Stalking Protection Orders, RCW 7.105.100(1)(c),

6. Extreme Risk Protection Orders, RCW 105.100(1)(e).

Police shall arrest without an arrest warrant and take into custody any person whom police have probable cause to believe has knowingly violated A Domestic Violence Protection Order, a Sexual Assault Protection Order, a Stalking Protection Order or a Vulnerable Adult Protection Order. RCW 7.105.450(2).

It is a defense to a Violation of Protective Order criminal charge if the respondent/defendant did not know of the existence of the active protection order against him/her. RCW 7.105.465(1), A person must be first be served with a certified copy of a court issued protection order before they can be held criminally responsible for violating it. See, RCW 7.105.465(2).

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