How to Clear a Protection, Restraining, or No-Contact Order from Your Record in Washington State
Imagine this: you're finally ready to apply for a new job, rent an apartment, or take your kids on a family trip across the country. But then it happens again, that old court order from years ago shows up on your background check. It's blocking your opportunities, even though you've done the work, stayed out of trouble, and turned your life around. If you’re dealing with a past protection order, no-contact order, or anti-harassment order on your record, you are not alone, and you are not without options.
At Findley & Rogers, we help people just like you get these orders cleared so they can move forward without fear, shame, or legal limitations. Whether you're trying to restore your firearm rights, rebuild your reputation, or just get your life back, we can help.
What’s Holding You Back?
According to the Washington Courts, tens of thousands of civil protection orders are filed each year, many involving former partners, neighbors, or strangers. In 2022 alone, over 17,000 protection orders were filed statewide.
Here’s the problem: protection orders can last for years, some are even permanent, and the record often stays visible to employers, landlords, licensing boards, and the public. That means one mistake or even a misunderstood situation can follow you for life.
You might face:
Job denials due to background checks
Refused rental housing
Loss of firearm rights
Parenting or visitation restrictions
Social stigma, even if you were never criminally convicted
But there’s good news, Washington law allows many of these records to be vacated if certain conditions are met.
What Is a Protection Order?
In Washington State, the term “protection order” covers a broad category of legal restrictions that prevent one person from contacting or going near another. These orders can be issued in both civil and criminal contexts and are often misunderstood.
Let’s break down the different types:
1. Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO)
Used in cases involving former or current partners, household members, or close relatives.
May include temporary firearm restrictions.
Often requested during or after breakups or family conflicts.
It can appear on your criminal record, even without charges.
2. Anti-Harassment Protection Order (AHPO)
Used for non-domestic disputes: neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances.
Common in noise complaints, threats, or unwanted contact.
It can still result in criminal charges if violated.
3. No-Contact Order
Issued by a judge as part of a criminal case (even if the other person doesn’t want it).
Common in domestic violence and assault cases.
Violation is a criminal offense, even if the contact was accidental or consensual.
4. Stalking Protection Order
Issued to prevent unwanted surveillance, following, or repeated contact.
It can be permanent and affect work, school, or custody.
5. Sexual Assault Protection Order
Applies when sexual assault is alleged, regardless of criminal charges.
Often includes no-contact and firearm restrictions.
6. Restraining Order
A more formal type of protection order that is tied to family law cases, like legal separations.
May include restrictions on visitation, property, or communication.
7. Extreme Risk Protection Order
Temporarily removes firearms from someone believed to be a danger to themselves or others.
Often initiated by law enforcement or family members.
Why Getting It Cleared Is So Important
The damage to your name and future opportunities caused by an active protection order can be severe. You may still:
Appear on criminal databases
Lose your right to own or buy a firearm
Be denied housing or education opportunities
Lose custody or visitation rights
Be seen as "guilty" without a chance to explain your side
And the truth is, people change. You deserve a second chance. Washington State allows many people to petition the court to vacate (erase) or seal these records, and once that happens, they will no longer show up in most background checks.
Are You Eligible?
Anyone can petition to terminate a protection order, but the chances of success will hinge on several factors:
Whether the protected person has agreed to lift the protection order.
Whether the protected person indicates they still fear the respondent.
Whether the respondent has exhibited mental health issues.
Whether the respondent has been convicted of violating the protection order.
Whether the respondent has a continuing involvement with drug or alcohol abuse.
Whether the respondent has had additional criminal history since the order was entered.
Whether the respondent has engaged in counseling.
Whether the respondent has acknowledged their responsibility.
Any other factors deemed relevant by the Court.
Every case is different. If you're unsure, we offer free consultations to help you find out if you qualify.
How Long Does It Take to Vacate a Protection Order?
Great question, and we hear it often. For most people, the process to vacate a record takes about 3 to 6 months. Here's how it works:
Free Consultation: You meet with us to review your situation and goals.
Record Review: We obtain your court records, orders, and legal background.
Petition Filed: We draft and file a formal motion to vacate or seal the order.
Hearing Scheduled: A judge will review your case and hear your side.
Notice Given: The protected person must be informed that the request to vacate the protection order has been made.
Decision Issued: If granted, your record will be updated and sealed.
Time varies depending on the county, court schedule, and case complexity. Some cases move faster, especially if the order is old or uncontested.
How Much Does It Cost?
The fee to clear your record is minimal compared to the cost of lost opportunities.
We offer flat-rate expungement services, so there are no surprise bills, just one fixed cost for legal help that can change your future.
We Fight for Your Future
At Findley & Rogers, we believe your worst day shouldn’t define your whole life. We’ve helped thousands of people in Washington get their records cleared, their rights restored, and their lives back on track.
Our services include:
Expunging protection order records
Restoring firearm rights
Vacating domestic violence charges
Clearing no-contact orders
NICS appeal assistance after a firearm purchase denial
Ready to Start Over?
If a protection order is standing between you and the life you want, now is the time to act. Whether you want to go hunting with your son, apply for a new job, or just stop worrying about background checks, we’re here for you.
Call Findley & Rogers today for a free consultation. Let’s figure out your next step.
