A no-contact order is a type of protective order. It is put in place with the intent of protecting someone from those who may try to cause them harm. A no-contact order may be put in place after a couple has a fight. It may also be put in place in the midst of a highly contentious divorce. Whatever the reason for the no-contact order, failure to comply with the restrictions of the order can result in a large fine and even jail time.
What is a No-Contact Order?
A no-contact order prohibits an individual from being in contact, both physical or verbal, with another. This restriction on contact extends to all forms of communication, including in person or through use of a phone or the internet. While often referred to as a “restraining order” it is actually different. A no-contact order is filed after an action has already occurred. As an example, a no-contact order may be entered if there is a domestic abuse charge. The no-contact order would prevent the abuser from contacting the victim. With a restraining order, the action is not a prerequisite. It is more of a preventative order that looks to avoid a potentially harmful situation from occurring.
A petitioner requests a no-contact order when he or she feels that they are in danger. Most commonly, the petitioner has previously been an abuse victim. The no-contact order will lay out specific restrictions on the defendant. It will state the distance, in feet or yards, that the defendant must keep between himself or herself and the petitioner. Additionally, the order will specify the time period that the no-contact restrictions will be in place. At the end of this time frame, the petitioner has the ability to petition the court for an extension of the order. On the other side, a judge has the ability to lift the order if he or she feels that the petitioner is no longer in danger.
Violation of a protective order can have serious consequences. The potential penalties for violating a no-contact order include a fine of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail. The violation of the no-contact order alone may not result in more than a year in jail, but if there was an additional crime committed while violating the order, more jail time and fines can be added on. If you are concerned or have questions about the parameters of the order, contact an attorney.
Criminal Defense Council Committed to Zealous Advocacy
Violations of a no-contact order can have serious consequences. If you are unclear about the restrictions placed on you by a no-contact order or worried that the order is unfair or places unreasonable restrictions on you, the Benjamin Law Firm is here for you. We are committed to advocating for our clients. Contact us today.
Posted in: Criminal Defense