The Washington Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of Douglas Alan LeBlanc for violating a no contact order related to domestic violence. This ruling affects LeBlanc, who was found guilty of contacting Brandy Bingham, the protected party in the order. The court's decision is significant as it reinforces the legal consequences of violating domestic violence protection orders.

LeBlanc's case stems from an incident on May 7, 2021, when law enforcement pulled him over for driving with an obstructed license plate and expired tabs. During the stop, officers found Bingham lying in the back of LeBlanc's vehicle. Both individuals acknowledged the existence of a no contact order that prohibited any communication between them. This order had been issued following prior incidents of domestic violence.

The State charged LeBlanc with violating the no contact order, which is classified as a domestic violence offense. At trial, the prosecution presented a certified copy of the no contact order, which indicated that LeBlanc and Bingham were considered intimate partners under Washington law. The jury ultimately found LeBlanc guilty, determining that he had knowingly violated the order.

In its ruling, the court analyzed whether sufficient evidence supported the jury's conclusion that LeBlanc and Bingham were intimate partners. The court stated, "Taking the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, sufficient evidence supported the jury’s finding that Bingham and LeBlanc were intimate partners and that LeBlanc was guilty of violating a no contact order." This affirmation was made by Judge Che, with concurrence from Judges Maxa and Glasgow.

The court's decision emphasizes the importance of adhering to no contact orders, particularly in cases involving domestic violence. It clarifies that the jury's determination of the relationship between LeBlanc and Bingham was supported by the evidence presented, including the no contact order itself. The ruling also highlights that circumstantial evidence, such as the findings in the no contact order, can be considered valid in establishing intimate partnerships under the law.

This ruling has broader implications for individuals facing similar charges. It reinforces that violations of no contact orders will be taken seriously by the courts, and that intimate partner definitions can encompass various forms of relationships, including those not limited to marriage or cohabitation. The court's decision serves as a reminder of the legal protections available to victims of domestic violence and the consequences for those who breach these protections.

Looking ahead, LeBlanc may have the option to appeal the ruling. However, details regarding any potential appeal or related cases were not available in the court filing. The outcome of this case could influence future cases involving domestic violence and no contact orders in Washington state.