Can a victim get in trouble for violating a no contact order?

Asked by: Devonte Boyer  |  Last update: October 22, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (20 votes)

This action by the victim is not a legal violation of the order. But, it can lead to complicated situations. Even if the victim initiates contact, the restrained party must still obey the order. They should not respond or reach out to the victim.

What if a victim violates no contact order?

If the contact continues, it could possibly be illegal and the victim making the contact could be charged with criminal harassment. A defendant that responds to unwanted communication from a victim can be charged with breaching the no contact order, whether he/ she responds to the communication directly or indirectly.

What happens if the victim violates a no contact order in Indiana?

The Court ultimately held that the Indiana legislature made it clear that protected persons might invite the perpetrator back into their lives. However, it is the perpetrator who must not allow the no contact or protective order to be violated, and a victim should not be criminally charged for aiding a violation.

Can you get in trouble for being around someone you have a restraining order against?

If you have a Restraining Order against someone, it typically requires the person restrained to stay a certain distance away from you and avoid contacting you. If you willingly spend time around this person, you might not necessarily be in legal trouble yourself, but you could be undermining the Order's effectiveness.

What is the no contact rule in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, a no contact order is an order issued by a judge in a criminal proceeding that prohibits a person from contacting another specific person and is often a condition of bail. A no contact order prohibits a person from being in contact with another person, either verbally or in person.

Is A Victim In A Criminal Case Also Restricted By The No Contact Order? | Washington State Attorney

28 related questions found

What counts as breaking no contact?

What does it mean to break no contact? The no contact rule is when you go a long period of time without communicating with your ex. So, to break the no contact rule, you simply have to communicate with your ex, whether that's via text, messenger, or talking in person.

What happens if you violate a restraining order in NJ?

If the court finds that the allegations of a restraining order violation are true, the violator faces punishment for criminal contempt of court under N.J.S 2C:29-9. A first violation may result in up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. A second violation results in a mandatory 30-day jail sentence.

Can you text someone you have a restraining order against?

Contact Restrictions & Prohibited Behaviors

One of the primary restrictions imposed by a restraining order in California is prohibiting any form of contact between the individual subject to the order and the protected person. Contact can include direct communication, such as: Phone calls. Text messages.

Can I sue someone for filing a false restraining order?

The victim of the false claim may file a civil lawsuit seeking damages for harm caused by the false allegations. The defendant may be required to compensate the victim for financial losses, emotional distress, and any other damages incurred as a result of the false order.

What is indirect contact in a restraining order?

Indirect Contact: Attempting to or making contact with a prohibited person through another person, including asking a mother, child, teacher, or friend to: • Tell a prohibited person something or do something to that prohibited person that you are not permitted to do.

How long do most no contact orders last?

After having a court hearing, a judge can grant you a “restraining order after hearing” that can last up to five years. However, if there is no termination date on the order, the order will last three years from the date it was issued.

Can you get married if you have a no contact order?

Short answer - yes, you can get in trouble for marrying anyway. No Contact Orders usually include a provision requiring the protected person to contact the police if you contact her, and if she doesn't, that failure can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor.

Is there a hearing for a no contact order?

A no contact order is in effect from the moment the judge grants the order. In most cases, once an individual files for the order, a judge issues a temporary no contact order that is effective immediately. A full hearing should take place within 30 days to determine if the order should remain in place.

What does a no unlawful contact order mean?

A no contact order prohibits a person from being in physical or verbal contact with another person, whether that is face-to-face or over the phone/internet. This type of order is filed when an action has already taken place.

How do you defend yourself against false accusations?

6 steps to defend yourself against a false allegation at work
  1. Stay Calm and Gather Evidence. ...
  2. Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer. ...
  3. Challenge the Accuser's Credibility. ...
  4. Understand Your Rights. ...
  5. Prepare Your Defense. ...
  6. Consider Counterclaims. ...
  7. Don't Let False Allegations Fly — Contact Right Law Group.

How can a petitioner violate a restraining order?

8 Ways You Can Violate a Protection Order
  1. Coming too close to the alleged victim. ...
  2. Contacting the alleged victim. ...
  3. Failing to move out of your home. ...
  4. Visiting your shared workplace or school. ...
  5. Failing to pay bills. ...
  6. Failing to comply with child visitation rules. ...
  7. Purchasing or possessing a gun.

What is the punishment for false accusations?

As we've explained above, falsely reporting a crime or making a false statement can either be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. As such, the punishment could include a jail sentence of up to one year. In the most serious cases, the person making false accusations could face up to seven years in state prison.

Do they check phone records for no contact orders?

So yes, there are many ways, in the course of investigation, that your phone records can be obtained. They can't, in advance, track your cell phone though. We can't obtain those rights just because we may anticipate someone violating an order.

What can the police do about harassing texts?

In cases where the police determine that intervention is necessary, they may request telephone records from mobile phone companies to trace the source of the harassing texts and reveal the identity of the antagonist. However, obtaining these records typically requires legal permission, and the process can take time.

Does a restraining order stay on your record in NJ?

Since a restraining order is not a criminal offense, an expungement will not help you. The final restraining order will remain in the police database and in court records.

How long can you go to jail for domestic violence in NJ?

If you are convicted of indictable (felony) domestic violence crime, the possible sentences depend on which degree of felony you're charged with: For fourth-degree offenses: up to 18 months in prison. For third-degree offenses: 3 to 5 years in prison. For second-degree offenses: 5 to 10 years in prison.

What happens if the plaintiff does not show up for a restraining order hearing NJ?

You must show up at the hearing for the final restraining order (FRO). If you do not show up, the court can decide the case without you, and give the other person the FRO. If both parties appear, the court will hear both sides and make a decision.

How powerful is the no contact rule?

"Going no contact is one of the most effective ways to move on from an ex," Chan says. "However, if no contact is coupled with plotting ways to win them back, vilifying or idolizing them in every conversation and obsessing over their social media, it won't help in moving forward.

What are the rules of no contact?

As the phrase implies, the “no contact” rule entail cutting off all communications with your ex following a breakup.

What is the shortest no contact rule?

1 For an amicable breakup: around 30 days. 2 For a long-term relationship: at least 60 days. 3 If things got ugly at the end: roughly 90 days. 4 For an especially toxic separation: indefinitely.