A domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) can be issued to victims of domestic violence in order to keep their abusers away. A DVRO can prevent the person accused of committing domestic violence from contacting, following, visiting, or assaulting the victim. Once a DVRO has been issued by the court, it’s important for defendants to comply with its terms. If a defendant fails to do so, he could face serious penalties. Here’s a look at some of the consequences for violating a domestic violence restraining order:
First Violation of A DVRO
Defendants who violate any of the terms of a DVRO are typically charged with a class 2 misdemeanor. Although this is a misdemeanor crime, it still carries serious penalties. If you are convicted of a class 2 misdemeanor crime, you could face up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Multiple Violations of A DVRO
Defendants who violate the terms of a DVRO multiple times will face additional consequences. If a defendant has violated a DVRO in the past, his second violation will be charged as a class 1 misdemeanor, which is more serious than a class 2 misdemeanor. A class 1 misdemeanor conviction could mean up to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
A second or subsequent violation can also be classified as an “extraordinary risk of harm crime,” which is a type of sentence enhancement that adds six months to the defendant’s sentence. Therefore, a defendant who is convicted of committing an extraordinary risk of harm crime could face up to 24 months in jail.
Unfortunately, many defendants do not realize the potential consequences they could face if they violate the terms of a DVRO. Many victims reach out to the accused person after a domestic violence incident in an attempt to make amends or talk about what happened. If this happens to you, do not make the mistake of assuming that the terms of the DVRO no longer apply. To avoid these consequences, do not make contact with the victim, even if she reaches out to you first.
Have you been accused of domestic violence? If so, let the criminal defense attorneys at Reisch Law Firm help. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and your future. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
