The legislature finds that serious, personal harassment through repeated invasions of a person's privacy by acts and words showing a pattern of harassment designed to coerce, intimidate, or humiliate the victim is increasing. The legislature further finds that the prevention of such harassment is an important governmental objective. This chapter is intended to provide victims with a speedy and inexpensive method of obtaining civil antiharassment protection orders preventing all further unwanted contact between the victim and the perpetrator.
[ 1987 c 280 § 1; ]
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
"Course of conduct" means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. "Course of conduct" includes, in addition to any other form of communication, contact, or conduct, the sending of an electronic communication, but does not include constitutionally protected free speech. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of "course of conduct."
"Unlawful harassment" means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, harasses, or is detrimental to such person, and which serves no legitimate or lawful purpose. The course of conduct shall be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and shall actually cause substantial emotional distress to the petitioner, or, when the course of conduct would cause a reasonable parent to fear for the well-being of their child.
[ 2011 c 307 § 2; 2001 c 260 § 2; 1999 c 27 § 4; 1995 c 127 § 1; 1987 c 280 § 2; ]
In determining whether the course of conduct serves any legitimate or lawful purpose, the court should consider whether:
Any current contact between the parties was initiated by the respondent only or was initiated by both parties;
The respondent has been given clear notice that all further contact with the petitioner is unwanted;
The respondent's course of conduct appears designed to alarm, annoy, or harass the petitioner;
The respondent is acting pursuant to any statutory authority, including but not limited to acts which are reasonably necessary to:
Protect property or liberty interests;
Enforce the law; or
Meet specific statutory duties or requirements;
The respondent's course of conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the petitioner's privacy or the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive living environment for the petitioner;
Contact by the respondent with the petitioner or the petitioner's family has been limited in any manner by any previous court order.
[ 1987 c 280 § 3; ]
There shall exist an action known as a petition for an order for protection in cases of unlawful harassment.
A petition for relief shall allege the existence of harassment and shall be accompanied by an affidavit made under oath stating the specific facts and circumstances from which relief is sought.
A petition for relief may be made regardless of whether or not there is a pending lawsuit, complaint, petition, or other action between the parties.
All court clerks' offices shall make available simplified forms and instructional brochures. Any assistance or information provided by clerks under this section does not constitute the practice of law and clerks are not responsible for incorrect information contained in a petition.
Filing fees are set in RCW 36.18.020, but no filing fee may be charged for a petition filed in an existing action or under an existing cause number brought under this chapter in the jurisdiction where the relief is sought or as provided in RCW 10.14.055. Forms and instructional brochures shall be provided free of charge.
A person is not required to post a bond to obtain relief in any proceeding under this section.
The parent or guardian of a child under age eighteen may petition for an order of protection to restrain a person age eighteen years or over from contact with that child upon a showing that contact with the person to be enjoined is detrimental to the welfare of the child.
The parent or guardian of a child under the age of eighteen may petition in superior court for an order of protection to restrain a person under the age of eighteen years from contact with that child only in cases where the person to be restrained has been adjudicated of an offense against the child protected by the order, or is under investigation or has been investigated for such an offense. In issuing a protection order under this subsection, the court shall consider, among the other facts of the case, the severity of the alleged offense, any continuing physical danger or emotional distress to the alleged victim, and the expense, difficulty, and educational disruption that would be caused by a transfer of the alleged offender to another school. The court may order that the person restrained in the order not attend the public or approved private elementary, middle, or high school attended by the person under the age of eighteen years protected by the order. In the event that the court orders a transfer of the restrained person to another school, the parents or legal guardians of the person restrained in the order are responsible for transportation and other costs associated with the change of school by the person restrained in the order. The court shall send notice of the restriction on attending the same school as the person protected by the order to the public or approved private school the person restrained by the order will attend and to the school the person protected by the order attends.
[ 2002 c 117 § 1; 2001 c 260 § 3; 1995 c 292 § 2; 1995 c 127 § 2; 1987 c 280 § 4; ]
In each county, the superior court may appoint one or more attorneys to act as protection order commissioners pursuant to this chapter to exercise all powers and perform all duties of a court commissioner appointed pursuant to RCW 2.24.010 provided that such positions may not be created without prior consent of the county legislative authority. A person appointed as a protection order commissioner under this chapter may also be appointed to any other commissioner position authorized by law.
[ 2013 c 84 § 20; ]
The administrator for the courts shall develop and prepare, in consultation with interested persons, model forms and instructional brochures required under RCW 10.14.040(3).
[ 1987 c 280 § 5; ]
No fees for filing or service of process may be charged by a public agency to petitioners seeking relief under this chapter from a person who has stalked them as that term is defined in RCW 9A.46.110, or from a person who has engaged in conduct that would constitute a sex offense as defined in RCW 9A.44.128, or from a person who is a family or household member or intimate partner as defined in RCW 26.50.010 who has engaged in conduct that would constitute domestic violence as defined in RCW 26.50.010.
[ 2020 c 29 § 8; 2002 c 117 § 2; ]
Persons seeking relief under this chapter may file an application for leave to proceed in forma pauperis on forms supplied by the court. If the court determines that a petitioner lacks the funds to pay the costs of filing, the petitioner shall be granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis and no filing fee or any other court related fees shall be charged by the court to the petitioner for relief sought under this chapter. If the petitioner is granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis, then no fees for service may be charged to the petitioner.
[ 1987 c 280 § 6; ]
Before granting an order under this chapter, the court may consult the judicial information system, if available, to determine criminal history or the pendency of other proceedings involving the parties.
[ 2011 c 307 § 6; ]
Upon receipt of the petition alleging a prima facie case of harassment, other than a petition alleging a sex offense as defined in chapter 9A.44 RCW or a petition for a stalking protection order under chapter 7.92 RCW, the court shall order a hearing which shall be held not later than fourteen days from the date of the order. If the petition alleges a sex offense as defined in chapter 9A.44 RCW, the court shall order a hearing which shall be held not later than fourteen days from the date of the order. Except as provided in RCW 10.14.085, personal service shall be made upon the respondent not less than five court days before the hearing. If timely personal service cannot be made, the court shall set a new hearing date and shall either require additional attempts at obtaining personal service or permit service by publication as provided by RCW 10.14.085. If the court permits service by publication, the court shall set the hearing date not later than twenty-four days from the date of the order. The court may issue an ex parte order for protection pending the hearing as provided in RCW 10.14.080 and 10.14.085.
[ 2013 c 84 § 30; 2005 c 144 § 1; 1992 c 143 § 10; 1987 c 280 § 7; ]
Upon filing a petition for a civil antiharassment protection order under this chapter, the petitioner may obtain an ex parte temporary antiharassment protection order. An ex parte temporary antiharassment protection order may be granted with or without notice upon the filing of an affidavit which, to the satisfaction of the court, shows reasonable proof of unlawful harassment of the petitioner by the respondent and that great or irreparable harm will result to the petitioner if the temporary antiharassment protection order is not granted. If the court declines to issue an ex parte temporary antiharassment protection order, the court shall state the particular reasons for the court's denial. The court's denial of a motion for an ex parte temporary order shall be filed with the court.
An ex parte temporary antiharassment protection order shall be effective for a fixed period not to exceed fourteen days or twenty-four days if the court has permitted service by publication under RCW 10.14.085. The ex parte order may be reissued. A full hearing, as provided in this chapter, shall be set for not later than fourteen days from the issuance of the temporary order or not later than twenty-four days if service by publication is permitted. Except as provided in RCW 10.14.070 and 10.14.085, the respondent shall be personally served with a copy of the ex parte order along with a copy of the petition and notice of the date set for the hearing. The ex parte order and notice of hearing shall include at a minimum the date and time of the hearing set by the court to determine if the temporary order should be made effective for one year or more, and notice that if the respondent should fail to appear or otherwise not respond, an order for protection will be issued against the respondent pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, for a minimum of one year from the date of the hearing. The notice shall also include a brief statement of the provisions of the ex parte order and notify the respondent that a copy of the ex parte order and notice of hearing has been filed with the clerk of the court.
At the hearing, if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that unlawful harassment exists, a civil antiharassment protection order shall issue prohibiting such unlawful harassment.
An order issued under this chapter shall be effective for not more than one year unless the court finds that the respondent is likely to resume unlawful harassment of the petitioner when the order expires. If so, the court may enter an order for a fixed time exceeding one year or may enter a permanent antiharassment protection order. The court shall not enter an order that is effective for more than one year if the order restrains the respondent from contacting the respondent's minor children. This limitation is not applicable to civil antiharassment protection orders issued under chapter 26.09, *26.10, 26.26A, or 26.26B RCW. If the petitioner seeks relief for a period longer than one year on behalf of the respondent's minor children, the court shall advise the petitioner that the petitioner may apply for renewal of the order as provided in this chapter or if appropriate may seek relief pursuant to chapter 26.09 or * 26.10 RCW.
At any time within the three months before the expiration of the order, the petitioner may apply for a renewal of the order by filing a petition for renewal. The petition for renewal shall state the reasons why the petitioner seeks to renew the protection order. Upon receipt of the petition for renewal, the court shall order a hearing which shall be not later than fourteen days from the date of the order. Except as provided in RCW 10.14.085, personal service shall be made upon the respondent not less than five days before the hearing. If timely service cannot be made the court shall set a new hearing date and shall either require additional attempts at obtaining personal service or permit service by publication as provided by RCW 10.14.085. If the court permits service by publication, the court shall set the new hearing date not later than twenty-four days from the date of the order. If the order expires because timely service cannot be made the court shall grant an ex parte order of protection as provided in this section. The court shall grant the petition for renewal unless the respondent proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the respondent will not resume harassment of the petitioner when the order expires. The court may renew the protection order for another fixed time period or may enter a permanent order as provided in subsection (4) of this section.
The court, in granting an ex parte temporary antiharassment protection order or a civil antiharassment protection order, shall have broad discretion to grant such relief as the court deems proper, including an order:
Restraining the respondent from making any attempts to contact the petitioner;
Restraining the respondent from making any attempts to keep the petitioner under surveillance; and
Requiring the respondent to stay a stated distance from the petitioner's residence and workplace.
In issuing the order, the court shall consider the provisions of RCW 9.41.800, and shall order the respondent to surrender, and prohibit the respondent from possessing, all firearms, dangerous weapons, and any concealed pistol license as required in RCW 9.41.800.
The court in granting an ex parte temporary antiharassment protection order or a civil antiharassment protection order shall not prohibit the respondent from exercising constitutionally protected free speech. Nothing in this section prohibits the petitioner from utilizing other civil or criminal remedies to restrain conduct or communications not otherwise constitutionally protected.
The court in granting an ex parte temporary antiharassment protection order or a civil antiharassment protection order shall not prohibit the respondent from the use or enjoyment of real property to which the respondent has a cognizable claim unless that order is issued under chapter 26.09 RCW or under a separate action commenced with a summons and complaint to determine title or possession of real property.
The court in granting an ex parte temporary antiharassment protection order or a civil antiharassment protection order shall not limit the respondent's right to care, control, or custody of the respondent's minor child, unless that order is issued under chapter 13.32A, 26.09, *26.10, 26.26A, or 26.26B RCW.
A petitioner may not obtain an ex parte temporary antiharassment protection order against a respondent if the petitioner has previously obtained two such ex parte orders against the same respondent but has failed to obtain the issuance of a civil antiharassment protection order unless good cause for such failure can be shown.
The court order shall specify the date an order issued pursuant to subsections (4) and (5) of this section expires if any. The court order shall also state whether the court issued the protection order following personal service or service by publication and whether the court has approved service by publication of an order issued under this section.
[ 2019 c 245 § 11; 2019 c 46 § 5011; 2011 c 307 § 3; 2001 c 311 § 1; 1995 c 246 § 36; 1994 sp.s. c 7 § 448; 1992 c 143 § 11; 1987 c 280 § 8; ]
If the respondent was not personally served with the petition, notice of hearing, and ex parte order before the hearing, the court shall reset the hearing for twenty-four days from the date of entry of the order and may order service by publication instead of personal service under the following circumstances:
The sheriff or municipal officer files an affidavit stating that the officer was unable to complete personal service upon the respondent. The affidavit must describe the number and types of attempts the officer made to complete service;
The petitioner files an affidavit stating that the petitioner believes that the respondent is hiding from the server to avoid service. The petitioner's affidavit must state the reasons for the belief that the respondent is avoiding service;
The server has deposited a copy of the summons, in substantially the form prescribed in subsection (3) of this section, notice of hearing, and the ex parte order of protection in the post office, directed to the respondent at the respondent's last known address, unless the server states that the server does not know the respondent's address; and
The court finds reasonable grounds exist to believe that the respondent is concealing himself or herself to avoid service, and that further attempts to personally serve the respondent would be futile or unduly burdensome.
The court shall reissue the temporary order of protection not to exceed another twenty-four days from the date of reissuing the ex parte protection order and order to provide service by publication.
The publication shall be made in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the petition was brought and in the county of the last known address of the respondent once a week for three consecutive weeks. The newspaper selected must be one of the three most widely circulated papers in the county. The publication of summons shall not be made until the court orders service by publication under this section. Service of the summons shall be considered complete when the publication has been made for three consecutive weeks. The summons must be signed by the petitioner. The summons shall contain the date of the first publication, and shall require the respondent upon whom service by publication is desired, to appear and answer the petition on the date set for the hearing. The summons shall also contain a brief statement of the reason for the petition and a summary of the provisions under the ex parte order. The summons shall be essentially in the following form:
In the . . . . . . . . . court of the state of Washington for the county of . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., Petitioner vs. No. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., Respondent The state of Washington to . . . . . . . . . (respondent):You are hereby summoned to appear on the . . . . day of . . . . . ., (year) . . . ., at . . . . a.m./p.m., and respond to the petition. If you fail to respond, an order of protection will be issued against you pursuant to the provisions of chapter 10.14 RCW, for a minimum of one year from the date you are required to appear. A temporary order of protection has been issued against you, restraining you from the following: (Insert a brief statement of the provisions of the ex parte order). A copy of the petition, notice of hearing, and ex parte order has been filed with the clerk of this court. . . . . Petitioner . . . .
In the . . . . . . . . . court of the state of Washington for the county of . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., Petitioner
vs.
No. . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., Respondent
The state of Washington to . . . . . . . . . (respondent):
You are hereby summoned to appear on the . . . . day of . . . . . ., (year) . . . ., at . . . . a.m./p.m., and respond to the petition. If you fail to respond, an order of protection will be issued against you pursuant to the provisions of chapter 10.14 RCW, for a minimum of one year from the date you are required to appear. A temporary order of protection has been issued against you, restraining you from the following: (Insert a brief statement of the provisions of the ex parte order). A copy of the petition, notice of hearing, and ex parte order has been filed with the clerk of this court.
. . . .
Petitioner . . . .
[ 2016 c 202 § 4; 1992 c 143 § 12; ]
Nothing in this chapter shall preclude either party from representation by private counsel or from appearing on his or her own behalf.
The court may require the respondent to pay the filing fee and court costs, including service fees, and to reimburse the petitioner for costs incurred in bringing the action, including a reasonable attorney's fee. If the petitioner has been granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis, the court may require the respondent to pay the filing fee and costs, including services fees, to the county or municipality incurring the expense.
[ 1992 c 143 § 14; 1987 c 280 § 9; ]
An order issued under this chapter shall be personally served upon the respondent, except as provided in subsections (5) and (7) of this section.
The sheriff of the county or the peace officers of the municipality in which the respondent resides shall serve the respondent personally unless the petitioner elects to have the respondent served by a private party. If the order includes a requirement under RCW 9.41.800 for the immediate surrender of all firearms, dangerous weapons, and any concealed pistol license, the order must be served by a law enforcement officer.
If the sheriff or municipal peace officer cannot complete service upon the respondent within ten days, the sheriff or municipal peace officer shall notify the petitioner.
Returns of service under this chapter shall be made in accordance with the applicable court rules.
If an order entered by the court recites that the respondent appeared in person before the court, the necessity for further service is waived and proof of service of that order is not necessary. The court's order, entered after a hearing, need not be served on a respondent who fails to appear before the court, if material terms of the order have not changed from those contained in the temporary order, and it is shown to the court's satisfaction that the respondent has previously been personally served with the temporary order.
Except in cases where the petitioner has fees waived under RCW 10.14.055 or is granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis, municipal police departments serving documents as required under this chapter may collect the same fees for service and mileage authorized by RCW 36.18.040 to be collected by sheriffs.
If the court previously entered an order allowing service by publication of the notice of hearing and temporary order of protection pursuant to RCW 10.14.085, the court may permit service by publication of the order of protection issued under RCW 10.14.080. Service by publication must comply with the requirements of RCW 10.14.085.
[ 2019 c 245 § 12; 2002 c 117 § 3; 2001 c 311 § 2; 1992 c 143 § 15; 1987 c 280 § 10; ]
Following completion of service by publication as provided in RCW 10.14.085, if the respondent fails to appear at the hearing, the court may issue an order of protection as provided in RCW 10.14.080. That order must be served pursuant to RCW 10.14.100, and forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency pursuant to RCW 10.14.110.
[ 1992 c 143 § 13; ]
Upon receipt of the order, the law enforcement agency shall forthwith enter the order into any computer-based criminal intelligence information system available in this state used by law enforcement agencies to list outstanding warrants. The law enforcement agency shall expunge expired orders from the computer system. Entry into the law enforcement information system constitutes notice to all law enforcement agencies of the existence of the order. The order is fully enforceable in any county in the state.
[ 1992 c 143 § 16; 1987 c 280 § 11; ]
When the court issues an order of protection pursuant to RCW 10.14.080, the court shall advise the petitioner that the respondent may not be subjected to the penalties set forth in RCW 10.14.120 and 10.14.170 for a violation of the order unless the respondent knows of the order.
When a peace officer investigates a report of an alleged violation of an order for protection issued under this chapter the officer shall attempt to determine whether the respondent knew of the existence of the protection order. If the officer determines that the respondent did not or probably did not know about the protection order, the officer shall make reasonable efforts to obtain a copy of the protection order and serve it on the respondent during the investigation.
[ 1992 c 143 § 17; ]
Any willful disobedience by a respondent age eighteen years or over of any temporary antiharassment protection order or civil antiharassment protection order issued under this chapter subjects the respondent to criminal penalties under this chapter. Any respondent age eighteen years or over who willfully disobeys the terms of any order issued under this chapter may also, in the court's discretion, be found in contempt of court and subject to penalties under chapter 7.21 RCW. Any respondent under the age of eighteen years who willfully disobeys the terms of an order issued under this chapter may, in the court's discretion, be found in contempt of court and subject to the sanction specified in RCW 7.21.030(4).
[ 2001 c 260 § 4; 1989 c 373 § 14; 1987 c 280 § 12; ]
The court may permit service by publication under this chapter only if the petitioner pays the cost of publication or if the petitioner's costs have been waived pursuant to RCW 10.14.055, unless the county legislative authority allocates funds for service of process by publication for petitioners who are granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis.
[ 2002 c 117 § 4; 1992 c 143 § 18; ]
Protection orders authorized under this chapter shall not be issued for any action specifically covered by chapter 7.90, 10.99, or 26.50 RCW.
[ 2006 c 138 § 22; 1987 c 280 § 13; ]
Nothing in this chapter shall preclude a petitioner's right to utilize other existing civil remedies.
[ 1987 c 280 § 14; ]
The district courts shall have original jurisdiction and cognizance of any civil actions and proceedings brought under this chapter, except the district court shall transfer such actions and proceedings to the superior court when it is shown that (a) the respondent to the petition is under eighteen years of age; (b) the action involves title or possession of real property; (c) a superior court has exercised or is exercising jurisdiction over a proceeding involving the parties; or (d) the action would have the effect of interfering with a respondent's care, control, or custody of the respondent's minor child.
Municipal courts may exercise jurisdiction and cognizance of any civil actions and proceedings brought under this chapter by adoption of local court rule, except the municipal court shall transfer such actions and proceedings to the superior court when it is shown that (a) the respondent to the petition is under eighteen years of age; (b) the action involves title or possession of real property; (c) a superior court has exercised or is exercising jurisdiction over a proceeding involving the parties; or (d) the action would have the effect of interfering with a respondent's care, control, or custody of the respondent's minor child.
The civil jurisdiction of district and municipal courts under this chapter is limited to the issuance and enforcement of temporary orders for protection in cases that require transfer to superior court under subsections (1) and (2) of this section. The district or municipal court shall transfer the case to superior court after the temporary order is entered.
Superior courts shall have concurrent jurisdiction to receive transfer of antiharassment petitions in cases where a district or municipal court judge makes findings of fact and conclusions of law showing that meritorious reasons exist for the transfer.
The municipal and district courts shall have jurisdiction and cognizance of any criminal actions brought under RCW 10.14.120 and 10.14.170.
[ 2019 c 216 § 1; 2011 c 307 § 1; 2005 c 196 § 1; 1999 c 170 § 1; 1991 c 33 § 2; 1987 c 280 § 15; ]
In a proceeding in which a petition for an order for protection under this chapter is sought, a court of this state may exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident individual if:
The individual is personally served with a petition within this state;
The individual submits to the jurisdiction of this state by consent, entering a general appearance, or filing a responsive document having the effect of waiving any objection to consent to personal jurisdiction;
The act or acts of the individual or the individual's agent giving rise to the petition or enforcement of an order for protection occurred within this state;
[Empty]
The act or acts of the individual or the individual's agent giving rise to the petition or enforcement of an order for protection occurred outside this state and are part of an ongoing pattern of harassment that has an adverse effect on the petitioner or a member of the petitioner's family or household and the petitioner resides in this state; or
As a result of acts of harassment, the petitioner or a member of the petitioner's family or household has sought safety or protection in this state and currently resides in this state; or
There is any other basis consistent with RCW 4.28.185 or with the constitutions of this state and the United States.
For jurisdiction to be exercised under subsection (1)(d)(i) or (ii) of this section, the individual must have communicated with the petitioner or a member of the petitioner's family, directly or indirectly, or made known a threat to the safety of the petitioner or member of the petitioner's family while the petitioner or family member resides in this state. For the purposes of subsection (1)(d)(i) or (ii) of this section, "communicated or made known" includes, but is not limited to, through the mail, telephonically, or a posting on an electronic communication site or medium. Communication on any electronic medium that is generally available to any individual residing in the state shall be sufficient to exercise jurisdiction under subsection (1)(d)(i) or (ii) of this section.
For the purposes of this section, an act or acts that "occurred within this state" includes, but is not limited to, an oral or written statement made or published by a person outside of this state to any person in this state by means of the mail, interstate commerce, or foreign commerce. Oral or written statements sent by electronic mail or the internet are deemed to have "occurred within this state."
[ 2010 c 274 § 308; ]
For the purposes of this chapter an action may be brought in:
The judicial district of the county in which the alleged acts of unlawful harassment occurred;
The judicial district of the county where any respondent resides at the time the petition is filed;
The judicial district of the county where a respondent may be served if it is the same county or judicial district where a respondent resides;
The municipality in which the alleged acts of unlawful harassment occurred;
The municipality where any respondent resides at the time the petition is filed; or
The municipality where a respondent may be served if it is the same county or judicial district where a respondent resides.
[ 2005 c 196 § 2; 1992 c 127 § 1; 1987 c 280 § 16; ]
Any respondent age eighteen years or over who willfully disobeys any civil antiharassment protection order issued pursuant to this chapter shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
[ 2001 c 260 § 5; 1987 c 280 § 17; ]
Upon application with notice to all parties and after a hearing, the court may modify the terms of an existing order under this chapter. A respondent may file a motion to terminate or modify an order no more than once in every twelve-month period that the order is in effect, starting from the date of the order and continuing through any renewal. In any situation where an order is terminated or modified before its expiration date, the clerk of the court shall forward on or before the next judicial day a true copy of the modified order or the termination order to the appropriate law enforcement agency specified in the modified order or termination order. Upon receipt of the order, the law enforcement agency shall promptly enter it in the law enforcement information system.
[ 2019 c 245 § 13; 1987 c 280 § 18; ]
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to infringe upon any constitutionally protected rights including, but not limited to, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
[ 1987 c 280 § 19; ]
Any order available under this chapter may be issued in actions under chapter 13.32A, 26.09, *26.10, 26.26A, or 26.26B RCW. An order available under this chapter that is issued under those chapters shall be fully enforceable and shall be enforced pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
[ 2019 c 46 § 5012; 1999 c 397 § 4; 1995 c 246 § 35; ]
A defendant arrested for violating any civil antiharassment protection order issued pursuant to this chapter is required to appear in person before a magistrate within one judicial day after the arrest. At the time of the appearance, the court shall determine the necessity of imposing a no-contact order or other conditions of pretrial release in accordance with RCW 9A.46.050.
A defendant who is charged by citation, complaint, or information with violating any civil antiharassment protection order issued pursuant to this chapter and not arrested shall appear in court for arraignment in accordance with RCW 9A.46.050.
Appearances required pursuant to this section are mandatory and cannot be waived.
[ 2012 c 223 § 4; ]
The legislature respectfully requests that:
By January 1, 2014, the administrative office of the courts shall develop a single master petition pattern form for all antiharassment and stalking protection orders issued under chapter 7.92 RCW and this chapter. The master petition must prompt petitioners to disclose on the form whether the petitioner who is seeking an ex parte order has experienced stalking conduct as defined in RCW 7.92.020. An antiharassment order and stalking protection order issued under chapter 7.92 RCW and this chapter must substantially comply with the pattern form developed by the administrative office of the courts.
The Washington state supreme court gender and justice commission, to the extent it is able, in consultation with Washington coalition of sexual assault programs, Washington state coalition against domestic violence, Washington association of prosecuting attorneys, Washington association of criminal defense lawyers, and Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, consider other potential solutions to reduce confusion about which type of protection order a petitioner should seek and to provide any recommendations to the legislature by January 1, 2014.
[ 2013 c 84 § 21; ]