Restraining Order Violations Lawyer in Nashville
Violating a restraining order in Tennessee is a criminal charge, not a civil slip-up, and the arrest can occur without a warrant. At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, our attorneys defend clients accused of violating orders of protection and work to protect their freedom, reputation, and firearm rights.
What Constitutes a Violation in Tennessee?
Any knowing contact or conduct prohibited by an order of protection or a no-contact order can trigger a violation charge. The restriction does not need to be serious or threatening for law enforcement to act:
- Direct or indirect communication with the protected party
- Coming within a prohibited distance of a home, workplace, or school
- Third-party contact through friends, family, or social media
- Possessing a firearm while the order is active
- Refusing to surrender weapons as ordered
An invitation from the protected party does not permit contact. The order applies only to the respondent, and Davidson County courts enforce these restrictions strictly regardless of intent or attempts at reconciliation.
Consequences and Penalties for Restraining Order Violations in Tennessee
Metro Nashville Police may arrest you on the spot, followed by a mandatory 12-hour hold without bond in most cases. That single arrest can affect your employment, housing, and custody situation before a judge has the opportunity to review the facts. Penalties can include:
- Class A misdemeanor carries up to 11 months, 29 days in jail, and fines up to $2,500
- Separate criminal contempt charges may add jail time on top of the underlying conviction
- The court can lengthen or strengthen the original order against you
- Federal law prohibits the possession of firearms while the order remains active
- A permanent conviction appears on background checks for life
Under Tennessee law, sentences for violations must run consecutively to any related offense unless a judge specifically orders otherwise.
How Our Restraining Order Violation Lawyers Can Help
A restraining order violation moves fast from arrest to arraignment, and early defense work shapes every outcome that follows. Our attorneys investigate the circumstances of the alleged contact, challenge weak evidence, and push back against assumptions prosecutors make before reviewing the record:
- Criminal Defense: We scrutinize notice requirements, intent, and the specific terms of the order for weaknesses.
- Contempt Hearing Representation: Our lawyers appear in civil contempt proceedings that run parallel to criminal charges.
- Preventing Further Penalties: We work to avoid order extensions, firearm forfeitures, and probation violations.
- Modifying or Removing Restrictions: Where appropriate, we petition to amend or dissolve overly broad orders.
Our defense team is led by two former district attorneys, providing direct insight into how Nashville prosecutors build their cases. That perspective allows us to anticipate arguments, negotiate strategically, and develop a defense grounded in the realities of local practice.
Contact a Reputable Restraining Order Violations Lawyer in Nashville Today
Time works against you the moment an accusation surfaces, and prosecutors begin building their case long before arraignment. Call Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC at 615-846-9889 to get in touch with a restraining order violations lawyer in Nashville. Our firm has decades of combined experience defending restraining order violation cases.