What Happens if I Violate a Protective Order?
Protective orders, or orders of protection, are put in place to shield victims from domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault and to prevent their abusers from contacting or coming near them. In other words, they play an important role in the legal system, and violating a protective order can lead to serious consequences that you should be aware of. If you’re facing a charge involving a protective order violation, turn to the skilled legal guidance of an experienced Nashville criminal defense attorney at Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, for the help you need.
Protective Orders and Their Legal Significance
Orders of protection, which are often labelled TPOs – or temporary protection orders – refer to court orders that are intended to protect those named from harm in all the following forms:
- Physical harm
- Domestic abuse
- Sexual assault
- Credible threats of abuse, physical harm, or sexual assault
- Stalking
The goal is to shield the person who obtains the TPO from dangerous actions on the part of the offender. Generally, these orders remain in effect for a set period of time. Extensions, however, are a possibility, and violations often trigger them.
The Potential Consequences of Protective Order Violations
If you violate an order of protection in the State of Tennessee, you can face both civil and criminal consequences.
Civil Contempt
If you have violated the protection order against you, it can lead to civil contempt charges, and this can translate to fines and even jail time.
Criminal Charges for Domestic Violence
If the violation in question involves domestic violence, you can face a Class A misdemeanor charge. A conviction carries fines of from $100 to $2,500 and jail time of up to 11 months and 29 days.
Arrest without a Warrant
Generally, the police need a warrant to make an arrest. If, however, they suspect you of violating an order of protection, they can do so without one. At this point, you will very likely be held in mandatory detention for at least 12 hours. This time frame can be reduced, however, if a judge deems you nonthreatening.
Restrictions Regarding Firearms
If you have a protective order against you, you’ll need to relinquish any guns that belong to you. There is a legal process in place, however, that allows those who qualify to regain possession of their firearms once the orders against them expire. If you are found in violation of a protective order, you are likely to face even more serious firearm restrictions and could permanently lose your gun privileges.
Don’t Delay Consulting with an Experienced Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are charged with being in violation of a protective order, the stakes are high. Andrew Beasley at Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, is a dedicated Nashville criminal defense attorney who appreciates the significance of the potential consequences you face and will take the legal steps necessary to help. Learn more about what we can do for you by reaching out and contacting us online or calling us at 615-846-9889 today.