In Washington State, violating a no-contact order by contacting someone online can lead to serious legal consequences. Whether you’re sending an email, a text message, or posting on social media, any form of communication that breaches the terms of a no-contact order can put you at risk of facing criminal charges, including jail time. Understanding the implications of these orders and what qualifies as a violation is essential to avoiding severe penalties.
Understanding no-contact orders
A no-contact order is a legal directive issued by a court to prevent an individual from contacting or approaching another person. These orders are commonly associated with cases involving harassment, domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault. They can be issued before or after a conviction and are enforceable statewide in Washington.
Online contact and its implications
Contacting someone online—whether through social media, email, or messaging apps—constitutes communication. If a no-contact order prohibits all forms of contact, initiating or responding to online messages violates the order. The law does not differentiate between physical and electronic contact; both are treated equally under state law.
Consequences of violating a no-contact order
Willfully violating a no-contact order is typically classified as a gross misdemeanor. Penalties can include up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. If the violation involves assault or reckless endangerment, or if the individual has prior violations, the offense may escalate to a class C felony, carrying more severe penalties.
Enforcement and arrest
Law enforcement officers are authorized to arrest individuals without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe a no-contact order has been violated. This means that even if the protected person does not report the violation, authorities can take action based on their own observations or evidence.
Violating a no-contact order, including online contact, is a serious offense. To avoid facing criminal charges and potential jail time, it’s crucial to fully comply with the terms of any no-contact order issued against you.