Protection Order Violations

When you are served with a protection order, you should immediately contact a criminal attorney that practices in the field of domestic violence. Often times there may be a chance to fight the order in court, and protect your rights. The last thing that you should do is attempt to contact the person who received the order against you.

Prosecutors and the police will vigorously prosecute even minor violations of these orders. Our office has seen people prosecuted for making Facebook posts, having relatives pass messages, sending Christmas cards, text messages, and e-mails. If you have any contact with a person who has a no-contact order, it is a criminal offense that could send you to jail or even prison.

No contact means no contact! Even if you are invited by the protected party to have contact, it is not allowed. If they call you, you cannot answer. If they text or e-mail you, don't respond. If you see them out in public, turn and head the other direction.

Most protection orders violations can be avoided by following these simple rules, but occasionally someone will use a protection order as a "sword", rather than as a "shield". These people will allege protection order violations that did not occur, or will try to set them up. They will invite contact, and then call the police to report it, or will manufacture it altogether.

If you are facing actual or potential protection order charges, it is important that you immediately seek legal counsel in order to protect your interests. Those that face these charges often end up in jail with high bail amounts, as judges consider those that violate court orders of protection to be especially dangerous and volatile.

A protection order can also limit your ability to find employment, housing, or participate in your children's sports or school activities.