Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Washington Sexual Assault Protection Order

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

Sexual Assault Protection Order (Criminal/Misdemeanor)

Court of Washington

for

No.

Plaintiff

vs.

Defendant

SID:

If no SID, use DOB:

Sexual Assault Protection Order

(Criminal/Misdemeanor)

(ORSXP)

(JIS order code: SXP)

Pretrial

Post conviction

Clerk’s action required

1. The court finds that the defendant has been charged with, arrested for, or convicted of a sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, a violation of RCW 9A.44.096, a violation of RCW 9.68A.090, or a gross misdemeanor that is, under chapter 9A.28 RCW, a criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy to commit an offense that is classified as a sex offense under RCW 9.94A.030. Additional findings are made on page two.

2. This Sexual Assault Protection Order is entered pursuant to RCW 7.90.150. This order protects:

(Write protected person’s name or if minor you may use initials and DOB. RCW 7.69A.030, 10.52.100, 10.97.130.)

It Is Ordered:

This Pretrial Sexual Assault Protection Order Expires on:

This Pretrial Sexual Assault Protection Order Expires Two Years From Today’s Date:

This Post Conviction Sexual Assault Protection Order Expires on:

This Post Conviction Sexual Assault Protection Order Expires Two Years From Today’s Date:

(A final sexual assault protection order entered in conjunction with a criminal prosecution shall remain in effect for a period of two years following the expiration of any sentence of imprisonment and subsequent period of community supervision, conditional release, probation, or parole.)

Defendant:

A. do not contact the protected person(s) directly, indirectly, in person or through others whether or not the others know of the order.

B. do not knowingly come within or stay within (distance) of the protected person(s)’s residence school workplace other:

Additional orders on page two.

Warnings: Violation of this order is a criminal offense under chapter 26.50 RCW and will subject a violator to arrest. You can be arrested even if any person protected by the order invites or allows you to violate the order’s prohibitions. You have the sole responsibility to avoid or refrain from violating the order’s provisions. Only the court can change the order.

Cause No.:

(Pretrial) It is Further Ordered:

Defendant is prohibited from obtaining or possessing a firearm, other dangerous weapon or concealed pistol license.

The defendant shall immediately surrender all firearms and other dangerous weapons within the defendant’s possession or control and any concealed pistol license to:

These pretrial orders are based on the court’s finding that possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon by the defendant presents a serious and imminent threat to public health or safety, or to the health or safety of any individual. RCW 9.41.800(4).

The court finds that the defendant’s relationship to a person protected by this order is:

spouse or former spouse current or former domestic partner parent of a child in common current or former cohabitant as part of a dating relationship.

(It is unclear whether the court can order under RCW 7.90.150 the restraints necessary to qualify for mandatory surrender of weapons under RCW 9.41.800(3). If the court determines it can make the necessary findings, additional findings and orders may be attached.)

This order is issued in accordance with Full Faith and Credit provisions of the Violence Against Women Act. Federal penalties may apply.

WACIC Data Entry

It is further ordered that the clerk of the court shall forward a copy of this order on or before the next judicial day to:

County Sheriff’s Office / Police Department where the case is filed, which shall enter it into the Washington Crime Information Center.

Done in open court in the presence of the defendant this date:

Judge

Print Name:

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

WSBA No.

Print Name:

Attorney for Defendant

WSBA No.

Print Name:

Defendant

Signature:

Print Name:

A Law Enforcement Information Sheet (LEIS) must be completed.

Enter text✕
Prepare your document for signing right on this page
  • 01 Edit the text and complete the fields
  • 02 Click Sign Now and on the next screen add recipients and signature fields in SignNow
  • 03 Start your free trial to sign and send your doc
Sign Now

What the Washington Sexual Assault Protection Order Is

A Washington Sexual Assault Protection Order (SAPO) is a civil court order intended to protect an alleged victim of sexual assault from further contact, harassment, or abuse by the named respondent. The order can require the respondent to stay away, cease communication, surrender firearms, and follow other court-imposed restrictions. SAPOs may be issued on a temporary or full basis after a petition and are enforced by law enforcement once served. Filing procedures and available relief are governed by Washington state statutes and local court rules.

Why a SAPO Matters for Safety and Legal Protection

A SAPO provides immediate, court-backed restrictions that can reduce risk and create legal remedies if violations occur. It documents allegations, triggers law enforcement enforcement powers, and can include practical protections such as no-contact and firearm surrender.

Why a SAPO Matters for Safety and Legal Protection

Who Typically Files or Receives a Washington SAPO

Parties may file with or without an attorney; courts often provide self-help resources, victim advocates, and local domestic violence or sexual assault programs to assist.

  • Survivors and petitioners seeking immediate civil protection following an assault or threat.
  • Court clerks and judicial officers who prepare and sign temporary or final orders.
  • Law enforcement agencies responsible for serving and enforcing the order once issued.

Filing a Washington SAPO: Step-by-Step Overview

Follow these core steps; specific local rules vary by county and court.

  • 01
    Prepare petition: Complete the SAPO petition describing incidents and requested relief.
  • 02
    File petition: Submit to the appropriate county superior court clerk.
  • 03
    Request temporary order: Ask the judge for immediate protection if danger is present.
  • 04
    Service and hearing: Ensure respondent is served and attend the full hearing as scheduled.

Customizing an Online SAPO Form and Workflow

If you use an online form or e-filing portal, configure fields and routing to match court requirements and ensure secure delivery.

Signing Mode Enable typed or drawn signatures per court acceptance rules.
Authentication Set email or SMS verification to attribute submissions to a petitioner.
Template Fields Lock required fields (names, dates, relief) to prevent incomplete filings.
Service Routing Configure document delivery to sheriff, process server, or court clerk as necessary.
Notifications Activate confirmation emails and receipt logs for petitioner and court records.

Where to File and How Orders Are Served

SAPO petitions are filed in county superior courts; final orders require proper service and entry into law enforcement systems for enforcement.

  • File with court: Submit petition to the county superior court clerk.
  • Request service: Ask the court to direct service by sheriff or certified process server.
  • Law enforcement entry: Court clerk forwards order for entry into NCIC or local systems.
  • Maintain proof: Keep certified copies and service return for enforcement.

Sharing the SAPO: Distribution and Technical Considerations

Ensure electronic methods comply with ESIGN and UETA where applicable and follow local court guidance on acceptable submission formats.

  • Email with encryption: Use secure, encrypted email only when permitted by court rules.
  • Court e-file: Use the court's e-filing portal for official submissions.
  • Law enforcement delivery: Provide certified copies to sheriff or police for service and entry.

Timing: Temporary Relief, Hearings, and Service Expectations

Local courts set schedules; petitions for immediate safety often proceed faster than ordinary civil matters. Confirm timelines with the county superior court.

Ex parte relief availability:

Immediate consideration possible when imminent danger is alleged.

Temporary order duration:

Temporary protection lasts until the full hearing is held.

Scheduling a hearing:

Courts typically set a full hearing date within days to weeks.

Service requirement:

Respondent must be served before or promptly after issuance per court rules.

Entry and enforcement:

Clerks enter orders into law enforcement databases after issuance.

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Incomplete respondent information that prevents service or delays enforcement; include aliases and last known addresses.
  • Vague incident descriptions lacking dates or locations, which reduce the judge's ability to assess immediate risk or corroborate claims.
  • Failing to attach supporting documents such as police reports or medical records, which can weaken the petition at hearing.
  • Using unsecured channels to transmit sensitive evidence or petitions, risking privacy breaches and potential evidentiary challenges.

Legal Risks and Consequences of Errors

Contempt of court: Fine or jail
Perjury risk: Criminal exposure
Order denial: No protection granted
Service failures: Delay or dismissal
Privacy exposure: Sensitive data leaks
Enforcement gaps: Delayed law enforcement action

Required Information Typically Included on a SAPO

Petitioner Name: Full legal name
Respondent Details: Name, aliases, address
Incident Dates: Specific dates and locations
Requested Relief: No-contact, surrender firearms
Supporting Evidence: Reports, photos, witnesses
Contact Info: Phone and mailing address

Core Components of a Complete Washington SAPO

A professionally prepared SAPO clearly organizes allegations, requested protections, and procedural details so the court can act quickly and law enforcement can enforce reliably.

Petition Header

Identifies petitioner, respondent, case number, and filing court; establishes jurisdiction and is the primary reference for all subsequent filings and orders in the matter.

Statement of Facts

Chronological, specific descriptions of alleged conduct, dates, and witnesses; this narrative provides the factual basis the judge uses to evaluate immediate danger and necessity of relief.

Relief Clauses

Lists specific protections requested such as no contact, stay-away distances, removal from shared residence, and firearm surrender, with clear, enforceable terms for each requested measure.

Temporary Order

If granted, a signed temporary or ex parte order is effective immediately and outlines short-term protections until a full hearing can be held.

Service Instructions

Details on whom should effect service (sheriff, process server), required proof of service, and any special methods to ensure the respondent receives the order.

Enforcement Notes

Language noting that violations may result in criminal contempt, arrest, or other penalties and directing law enforcement to treat the order as a binding court directive.

Real-World Use Cases for a SAPO

These anonymized scenarios illustrate common circumstances and practical outcomes when a SAPO is used.

Campus Report

A student reports an assault in a dorm to campus security and the institution's advocate

  • University counsel assists with a SAPO petition
  • The court issues temporary no-contact and housing protections; campus and local police enforce the order while a full hearing is scheduled and educational conduct processes proceed in parallel.

Workplace Incident

An employee alleges sexual assault by a colleague off campus and files a SAPO through the county court

  • The employer documents the complaint and adjusts workplace assignments
  • The SAPO restricts contact and notifies the employer; law enforcement receives the order and the workplace coordinates safety measures under company policy.

How a Sexual Assault Protection Order Differs from Other Protective Orders

Compare common criteria to understand when a SAPO is the appropriate remedy versus other orders such as domestic violence protection orders.

Criteria Sexual Assault PO Domestic Violence PO
Primary focus sexual assault conduct domestic relationship abuse
Typical relief no contact, safe housing no contact, custody or support
Ex parte availability
Required relationship no relationship required domestic relation required

eSignature Provider Pricing Comparison for SAPO Workflows

Selected vendor pricing and features to consider when choosing an eSignature provider for filing, serving, or retaining SAPO documents.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington SAPOs

Answers to common procedural and technical questions petitioners and respondents raise during the SAPO process.


Need help? Contact support

Explore Templates

SoCalGas Continuous Service Agreement Trap Grease Hauling Service Agreement Service Agreement Bookkeeping Service Agreement One Year Subterranean Termite Warranty Service Agreement Weekly Pool Service Agreement
be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users
Sign Now
Company
Forms
Pricing
Resources
Knowledge base
Other Products
© 2026 airSlate Inc. All rights reserved.