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Washington legal term

Protective order in Washington Criminal Law

Current through 2026 Washington legislative session

In Washington criminal law, “Protective order” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Washington criminal code.

What does “Protective order” mean in Washington criminal law?

"Protective order" means any temporary or permanent court order prohibiting or limiting violence against, harassment of, contact or communication with, or physical proximity to another person. (RCW 9A.46.110)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.