North Carolina Protective Orders Laws

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 16, 2023

Protective orders, or "restraining orders," protect victims of abuse or stalking by requiring perpetrators to stay a certain distance away for a specified period of time. They are primarily used by victims of domestic violence. North Carolina protective order laws allow for a one-year period and may be renewed for an additional year, and violation of the terms of a protective order is penalized as a Class A1 misdemeanor.

This article provides a brief overview of protective orders in the state of North Carolina.

North Carolina Protective Order Laws: At a Glance

Learn about North Carolina's protective order laws below. See Details on State Protective Order Laws for more details.

Code Section	§ 50B-1 et seq. of the North Carolina General Statutes
Activity Addressed by Order	Enjoin contact; exclude from dwelling; regarding minors: temporary custody, visitations, support, counseling; prohibit the purchase of a firearm; court costs and attorney fees
Duration of Order	One year; may be renewed for an additional year
Penalty for a Violation of Order	Class A1 misdemeanor
Who May Apply for Order	Any aggrieved party; a minor may be represented by a person who resides with or has custody
Can Fees Be Waived?	Yes
Order Transmission to Law Enforcement	Copy to the police department of the city of the victim's residence or sheriff of the county police department where the victim resides
Civil Liability for Violation of Order	Yes, contempt of court

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.