Violating an Order of Protection

If someone violates a restraining order, he can expect to receive jail time and other criminal punishments. Depending on how the order was violated, the person may be charged with a misdemeanor or even felony for breaking the law. A restraining order is meant to protect the person who requested it. This means that the person named in the order must not approach the holder of the order; in certain circumstances, all types of contact are disallowed including phone calls, texting, emails and letters. Even a single text message can warrant a phone call to the police, who can then arrest the person named in the order on a misdemeanor charge of violation.

The person that violates a restraining order may be subjected to jail time, fines, court ordered counseling, anger management classes and other criminal penalties. In most cases, the violator will spend at least a few hours in jail immediately after violating the terms of the restraining order. If you are in need of an order of protection, do not wait to get a family lawyer involved in your case!