Penalties for Violating a Protective Order
A protective order can be immensely helpful if you or someone you know is facing an imminent threat of familial abuse, assault, trafficking, or stalking behaviors. These state-mandated court orders apply to immediate family, extended family, former spouses, foster families, and those living (or formerly living) in the same household. They work to prohibit the offender from visiting schools or day care centers where the victim attends, committing continuing acts of violence against the victim, and harassing the victim (both directly and indirectly). Additionally, conditions set in a protective order can prevent the threatening party from carrying a gun or contacting the victim by any means.
There are many reasons a person may feel unsafe after a divorce or messy breakup. In these very real situations, a protective order may be necessary to ensure your family’s safety. The BB Law Group PLLC may be able to help you seek the protective order you need to carry on with your normal life.
Punishments for a Protective Order Violation Conviction
Intentionally violating a protective order can come with significant legal consequences and penalties if the conditions of the order aren’t adhered to. This includes, but is not limited to:
- A Class A misdemeanor that can lead to one year in a county jail and a $4,000 fine
- A third degree felony that carries a 2-10 year prison sentence (if you’ve had two or more similar offenses)
- Mandatory counseling, probation, or substance abuse treatment
- Being held in contempt of court until your trial without the possibility of bail
Domestic abuse is a serious issue that affects many families, but you are not helpless in these circumstances. A protective order may be able to help deter contact with a threatening family member.
Talk to a Domestic Abuse Attorney
Our attorneys at BB Law Group PLLC, take accusations of domestic abuse very seriously and want to help fight for your safety and the safety of your family. If you or someone you love is in need of a protective order, is being harassed by someone violating a protective order, or is in need of legal help regarding an abusive situation, please do not hesitate to contact our offices in The Woodlands at (832) 534-2589 to confidentially discuss your case.