Minneapolis Restraining Order Lawyer

Restraining Orders & Temporary Restraining Orders Attorney

An Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order is a protective order issued by the court that prohibits a person from being within a set distance or making contact (directly or indirectly) with the person who filed the restraining order.  In other words, a restraining order tells or prohibits a person from doing something. 

An Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order is designed to prevent further abuse or harassment from occurring. People often file for a restraining order after being a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or continued harassment by another. However, a restraining order is sometimes sought by a person seeking to punish the intended recipient, such as during a divorce proceeding, including child custody issues; children mad at their parents wanting to exact revenge upon them; or other people looking to exclude an individual from their place of employment simply because they do not like them. A restraining order is also often sought by people seeking to punish the intended recipient for some disagreement or for breaking off the relationship. 

An Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order may be temporary or long-term, lasting up to 2 years.  After it is order by the Court, a restraining order will prohibit all contact with the person who filed the restraining order, including being excluded from the family home.  After a restraining order has been granted by the Court, the person listed on the restraining order must adhere to strict terms or he/she could face criminal prosecution.

Fighting an Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order

Once a person has filed for an Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order, you have a right to hearing to contest the restraining order.  At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to challenge the issuance of a restraining order.  These hearings can be complex and emotional.

Penalties

If the Court issues a restraining order, it is very important that people adhere to the terms that are outlined within the restraining order.  If a person fails to adhere to a restraining order’s terms, he/she may be arrested by law enforcement and have criminal charges filed against him/her.  Violating a restraining order can lead to jail time, hefty fines, court ordered treatment and/or counseling, and probation.  Furthermore, if the person who violated the order is involved in an ongoing legal battle with the person who filed the order, his/her case can be negatively impacted by his/her failure to follow the law.  

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