Penalties for Violating a Protective Order

A protective order, also known as a restraining order, is a legal document that restricts or prevents contact between certain parties, typically in cases that involves threatened or actual violence, harassment, or stalking of some form. The terms of an order, such as how exactly contact is restricted, varies by case. In many instances, an individual is prohibited from physical contact only while other orders can also include contact through electronic means, such as e-mail or text messaging. Whether you’ve filed for one yourself or someone has filed one against you, following the terms of a protective order is a serious matter and should be completely understood once it’s legally in force. 

What exactly are the penalties for violating a protective order? The answer is that they, too, can vary, and a good Missouri criminal defense attorney can best help you understand the consequences of your particular case. Violation of a protective order is often charged as a misdemeanor and can include a fine up to several thousand dollars, and jail time up to one year. If, however, the protective order violation is concurrent with another, more serious crime such as assault, the penalty can be greater and the violation charged as a felony rather than a misdemeanor. In this instance, it is most certainly beneficial to retain a Kansas City criminal defense attorney for representation, as violators could face five or more years in prison and far more substantial fines. Sound legal representation can help a violator understand his or her rights and the best course of action. 

John A. Picerno is a Kansas City defense lawyer that can skillfully assist in navigating through the myriad of legalities when a protective order has been violated. If you’re facing a protective order violation, contact John Picerno’s office for a knowledgeable assessment of your case and superior legal representation today.