{"id":352184,"date":"2025-01-30T10:51:41","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T15:51:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/what-happens-if-you-violate-a-domestic-violence-order-for-protec.html"},"modified":"2025-05-21T10:29:55","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T15:29:55","slug":"what-happens-if-you-violate-a-domestic-violence-order-for-protec","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/what-happens-if-you-violate-a-domestic-violence-order-for-protec.html","title":{"rendered":"What Happens If You Violate a Domestic Violence Order for Protection?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Happens If You Violate a Domestic Violence Order for Protection?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Violating a domestic violence order for protection can have severe consequences. These orders\u2014both civil and criminal\u2014stipulate specific behaviors the restrained person must avoid, such as contacting or approaching the protected individual. Non-compliance can result in criminal charges, fines, or jail time. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It\u2019s crucial to understand and adhere to all the conditions outlined in the order to avoid legal penalties. The penalties for violating a protective order depend on the language of the order and the nature of the violation.<\/p>\n

If the court has issued a domestic violence protection order<\/a> against you, you must be aware of the terms of that order. For example, does it require that you get help or take anger management classes? If so, you must comply with the judge\u2019s order or face a penalty.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If the judge has ordered that you refrain from contacting the protected party, you must not attempt to communicate with them. You cannot call them, email them, or send them text messages. If you engage in any of these behaviors, the victim can ask the judge to hold you in contempt of court<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This article will help you interpret what a protection order involves and how to follow it properly. But, you can also talk to a\u00a0local attorney<\/a>\u00a0for legal advice specific to your situation.<\/p>\n

Keep reading to learn more about:<\/p>\n