A restraining order places restrictions on what you can legally do, and it’s a crime if you don’t obey these rules. When you violate the terms of a harassment restraining order, you can face serious consequences. If you have been accused of violating a harassment restraining order in Minnesota, you need an experienced attorney on your side.
Understanding Violation of Harassment Restraining Order
A harassment restraining order is designed to protect someone from being harassed again. Any person who has been harassed can seek a restraining order against the harasser. In Minnesota, an individual can seek a restraining order even after a single incident of harassment.
When a restraining order is put in place, there are strict limitations regarding your behavior, and how close you can get to someone. These limitations can prevent you from contacting people, or even going to certain places at certain times.
A violation of a harassment restraining order is typically treated as a misdemeanor. A conviction can include jail time up to 90 days and fines of $1,000. However, your charges might be more severe if you are a repeat offender, or if your behavior is accompanied by other crimes.
Repeat violations of a harassment restraining order can be charged as a gross misdemeanor, which can result in up to a year in jail and fines of up to $3,000. If the court determines that there is a pattern of harassment, you can even be charged with a felony. A felony conviction of harassment can be punished by up to ten years in prison, and fines of up to $20,000.
It’s important to understand, and follow, the restrictions put in place by a restraining order. A good defense attorney can help make sure you are aware of your legal obligations, and protect you from facing serious charges down the road.
Harassment Restraining Order Violation Defense Lawyer
As soon as you are aware of a charge of violating a restraining order, you need to seek the help of a qualified attorney. Your attorney can help make sure you won’t face a serious punishment – one that could include losing your freedom, and having your other relationships affected. Harassment restraining order violations are often prosecuted aggressively, so you need to be prepared to fight back.
Without the assistance of a defense lawyer, you could face the maximum penalties for violating a harassment restraining order. This can include restrictions on your life, prison time, fines, and more. Luckily, your defense lawyer can make sure you don’t face improper charges, and help you avoid any punishment at all.
Always A Free Consultation
If you are charged with violating a harassment restraining order, you need the help of a qualified attorney. We’re here to help. Don’t let a violation of a restraining order conviction have a negative impact on your life. Call the Brown Law Offices, P.A., at 763-323-6555, or complete our online form for a free consultation.