FAQs about Domestic Violence
Is Violation of Restraining Order or Injunction a criminal offense?
A person with a violation of a restraining order or injunction in Florida is likely to face a criminal prosecution. Most often, violations of injunctions are treated as first degree misdemeanor offenses. However, in some situations, a person can be charged with the felony offense of “Aggravated Stalking” if their case involves multiple violations of their injunction in an attempt to harass or threaten the other party.
What is a Violation of Restraining Order?
An “injunction” is a court order that is issued by a Circuit Court Judge that places restrictions on a person’s ability to have contact with another individual. Most people commonly refer to this type of court order as a “restraining order,” Florida law uses the term “injunction” exclusively. When a temporary injunction is issued and served, or an injunction is made final, this fact is public record and can easily be viewed by employers, neighbors, and members of the general public through the Clerk of Court’s website.
Do I Need a Lawyer if I am Charged with a Violation of Restraining Order?
A violation of restraining order or injunction is treated as a serious matter by the court and the State Attorney’s Office. The underlying rationale for the aggressive treatment of these violations is premised on the idea that the accused willfully disregarded a direct court order. For this reason, having the assistance of an experienced attorney is imperative.
What are the different types of Restraining Orders or Injunctions Issued by the Florida Court System?
Florida law allows a Circuit Court Judge to issue four different types of injunctions. Each type of injunction is designed to prevent or limit contact between individuals. Generally speaking, the nature of the relationship that the parties had prior to the issuance of the injunction will dictate the appropriate injunction that will ultimately be issued by the court. The four types of injunctions are:
Domestic Violence Injunctions
F.S. 741.28(2)-(3)
One act of violence by:
F.S. 784.046(1)(b) and (2)(a)
Two incidents of violence or stalking have occurred:
F.S. 784.046(1)(d) and (2)(b)
A dating relationship must have existed within the past six months:
F.S. 784.046(1)(c) and (2)(c)
What behavior is restricted?
If an “Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence” has been issued against you, it is important to read the document carefully. Depending on the specifics of the injunction, it may be a criminal act to:
What constitutes a Violation of a Repeat Violence, Dating Violence or Sexual Violence Injunction?
The area a number of ways an Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence, Dating Violence or Sexual Violence can be violated. It is very important to read the injunction carefully. Depending on the specifics of the injunction, it may be a criminal act to:
How do I Get the Restraining Order / Injunction Dismissed or Dissolved?
The length of an injunction will vary from one case to another. However, under Florida Statute 784.046(7)(c), a Circuit Court Judge can order that an injunction remain in full force and effect permanently. This could mean that the injunction will last forever unless it is modified or dissolved by the issuing court. Although either person may ask the court to modify or dissolve the injunction, neither party may change the terms of the injunction without obtaining the permission of the court first. We can set a hearing and go before the judge in order to petition the Court to dissolve the injunction. This pre-emptive action could protect you from re-arrest for violation of injunction in the future. There are many factors that could cause a court to believe that a protective injunction is no longer necessary or warranted. In particular, a showing that there has been a “change in circumstances” since the injunction was issued, can be persuasive. This may include, for example, the fact that one party has moved from the local area, a desire to reconcile on the part of the petitioner, or that an extended period of time that has elapsed since the injunction was granted.
What If the Other Person Wants Contact?
Many people make the mistake of assuming that the person who obtains an injunction also has the power to waive the terms of the injunction on their own without ever going to court. This is not true! An injunction, once granted, must be modified through a court hearing before a Circuit Court Judge. Even though the person who has been granted the injunction may have forgiven you and sought out contact with you, the violation of the terms of the injunction may still result in a criminal charge against you. You should know that Florida Statute 784.046(13) gives law enforcement the discretion to arrest and charge you for a violation of an injunction regardless of the “victim’s” consent to contact. Therefore, the permission of the “victim” alone will not stop the police from arresting you for a violation of the injunction.
In order to effectively dissolve an injunction it is necessary to have your lawyer set a hearing before the appropriate Circuit Court Judge and give notice to all the parties involved. During the hearing the judge will make an inquiry in order to determine whether lifting the injunction is in the best interests of the State and the parties. Given the wishes of the other party to resume contact with you, there is a great likelihood can be convinced to dissolve the injunction.
What if the Other Person Initiates Contact?
Even if the other person initiates contact with you after you have been served with the injunction, this contact on their part does not void the binding effect of the original injunction. Efforts at reconciliation on the part of the Petitioner can be dangerous as they could subject you to arrest for violation of the injunction. Keep in mind that only the judge can dismiss the injunction. If law enforcement observes a violation of the injunction, you are still subject to arrest, regardless of the fact that contact was initiated by the other party. A St. Petersburg / Clearwater lawyer can assist you in petitioning the court for a dismissal of the injunction.
However, if you’ve been arrested for violation of an injunction, we can help. Our office can bring the petitioner’s conduct to the attention of the State Attorney’s Office and the judge. This strategy, if handled in a diplomatic fashion, could go a long way toward minimizing your exposure to criminal penalties associated with the alleged violation of the court order.
What are the penalties for Violation of Injunction?
In Florida, a violation of injunction is a first-degree misdemeanor. The maximum possible penalty carries up to a $1,000.00 fine and as much as 365 days in the County Jail. Violating an injunction is looked upon as a serious offense by the Court system. It is not unusual for the Assistant State Attorney to view a violation of injunction as not just a crime against a particular victim, but also a crime against the peace and dignity of the State of Florida. The Assistant State Attorney will argue that your violation of the injunction demonstrated a disregard for the law and a disregard for the authority of the Court to modify or restrict your behavior. Likewise, the Court will be concerned about the possibility that your continued violation of the injunction could lead to the commission of a violent crime. Accordingly, many Judges who are called on to impose a sentence in a Violation of Injunction case want to send a strong message that violating a court ordered injunction will not be tolerated.
If you are convicted of violating a domestic related injunction, the judge is mandated by Florida law to require you to attend a 26 week course of domestic violence counseling. This penalty can be waived, if the court is persuaded to make findings on the record that counseling is not necessary or appropriate in your case. Our office can discuss with you the possibility of pursuing a waiver of this requirement.
The Source of this information is the Pinellas Clerk.
The Law Office of Susan L. Ray, P.A.
Is Violation of Restraining Order or Injunction a criminal offense?
A person with a violation of a restraining order or injunction in Florida is likely to face a criminal prosecution. Most often, violations of injunctions are treated as first degree misdemeanor offenses. However, in some situations, a person can be charged with the felony offense of “Aggravated Stalking” if their case involves multiple violations of their injunction in an attempt to harass or threaten the other party.
What is a Violation of Restraining Order?
An “injunction” is a court order that is issued by a Circuit Court Judge that places restrictions on a person’s ability to have contact with another individual. Most people commonly refer to this type of court order as a “restraining order,” Florida law uses the term “injunction” exclusively. When a temporary injunction is issued and served, or an injunction is made final, this fact is public record and can easily be viewed by employers, neighbors, and members of the general public through the Clerk of Court’s website.
Do I Need a Lawyer if I am Charged with a Violation of Restraining Order?
A violation of restraining order or injunction is treated as a serious matter by the court and the State Attorney’s Office. The underlying rationale for the aggressive treatment of these violations is premised on the idea that the accused willfully disregarded a direct court order. For this reason, having the assistance of an experienced attorney is imperative.
What are the different types of Restraining Orders or Injunctions Issued by the Florida Court System?
Florida law allows a Circuit Court Judge to issue four different types of injunctions. Each type of injunction is designed to prevent or limit contact between individuals. Generally speaking, the nature of the relationship that the parties had prior to the issuance of the injunction will dictate the appropriate injunction that will ultimately be issued by the court. The four types of injunctions are:
Domestic Violence Injunctions
F.S. 741.28(2)-(3)
One act of violence by:
- A spouse or former spouse, a person related by blood or marriage;
- A person who currently resides together or who has resided together as a family in the past; or
- A person who has a child in common regardless if they ever lived together
F.S. 784.046(1)(b) and (2)(a)
Two incidents of violence or stalking have occurred:
- One incident was within 6 months of the filing for injunction; and
- Violence or stalking was against the petitioner or petitioner’s immediate family member
F.S. 784.046(1)(d) and (2)(b)
A dating relationship must have existed within the past six months:
- Characterized by the expectation of affection or sexual involvement;
- Involved in a frequent and continuous interaction over the course of the relationship;
- Does not include violence in a casual acquaintanceship.
F.S. 784.046(1)(c) and (2)(c)
- One incident of sexual battery;
- A lewd or lascivious act, committed by or upon or in the presence of a person younger than 16 years of age;
- Luring or enticing a child or sexual performance by a child; or
- Any other forcible felony wherein a sexual act was committed or attempted; and
- Must have reported the incident to law enforcement and is cooperating in any criminal proceedings or the Respondent was sentenced to prison and the term has expired or is due to expire within 90 days of the filing date of the petition.
What behavior is restricted?
If an “Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence” has been issued against you, it is important to read the document carefully. Depending on the specifics of the injunction, it may be a criminal act to:
- Refuse to vacate the dwelling that you share with the other party;
- Go to, or be within 500 feet of, the petitioner’s residence, school, place of employment, or any specified place frequented regularly by the petitioner and any named family or household member;
- Commit an act of domestic violence against the petitioner;
- Commit any other violation of the injunction through an intentional unlawful threat to do violence to the petitioner;
- Telephone, contact, or otherwise communicate with the petitioner directly or indirectly, unless the injunction specifically allows indirect contact;
- Knowingly and intentionally come within 100 feet of the petitioner’s motor vehicle, whether or not that vehicle is occupied;
- Deface or destroy the petitioner’s personal property, including the petitioner’s motor vehicle; or
- Refuse to surrender firearms or ammunition if ordered to do so in the injunction.
What constitutes a Violation of a Repeat Violence, Dating Violence or Sexual Violence Injunction?
The area a number of ways an Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence, Dating Violence or Sexual Violence can be violated. It is very important to read the injunction carefully. Depending on the specifics of the injunction, it may be a criminal act to:
- Refuse to vacate the dwelling that you share with the other party;
- Go to the petitioner’s residence, school, place of employment, or any specified place frequented regularly by the petitioner and any named family or household member;
- Commit an act of repeat violence, sexual violence, or dating violence against the petitioner;
- Commit any other violation of the injunction through an intentional unlawful threat to do violence to the petitioner;
- Telephone, contact, or otherwise communicate with the petitioner directly or indirectly, unless the injunction specifically allows indirect contact; or
- Retrieving personal property from the other party’s residence beyond the one-time visit allowed by the injunction.
How do I Get the Restraining Order / Injunction Dismissed or Dissolved?
The length of an injunction will vary from one case to another. However, under Florida Statute 784.046(7)(c), a Circuit Court Judge can order that an injunction remain in full force and effect permanently. This could mean that the injunction will last forever unless it is modified or dissolved by the issuing court. Although either person may ask the court to modify or dissolve the injunction, neither party may change the terms of the injunction without obtaining the permission of the court first. We can set a hearing and go before the judge in order to petition the Court to dissolve the injunction. This pre-emptive action could protect you from re-arrest for violation of injunction in the future. There are many factors that could cause a court to believe that a protective injunction is no longer necessary or warranted. In particular, a showing that there has been a “change in circumstances” since the injunction was issued, can be persuasive. This may include, for example, the fact that one party has moved from the local area, a desire to reconcile on the part of the petitioner, or that an extended period of time that has elapsed since the injunction was granted.
What If the Other Person Wants Contact?
Many people make the mistake of assuming that the person who obtains an injunction also has the power to waive the terms of the injunction on their own without ever going to court. This is not true! An injunction, once granted, must be modified through a court hearing before a Circuit Court Judge. Even though the person who has been granted the injunction may have forgiven you and sought out contact with you, the violation of the terms of the injunction may still result in a criminal charge against you. You should know that Florida Statute 784.046(13) gives law enforcement the discretion to arrest and charge you for a violation of an injunction regardless of the “victim’s” consent to contact. Therefore, the permission of the “victim” alone will not stop the police from arresting you for a violation of the injunction.
In order to effectively dissolve an injunction it is necessary to have your lawyer set a hearing before the appropriate Circuit Court Judge and give notice to all the parties involved. During the hearing the judge will make an inquiry in order to determine whether lifting the injunction is in the best interests of the State and the parties. Given the wishes of the other party to resume contact with you, there is a great likelihood can be convinced to dissolve the injunction.
What if the Other Person Initiates Contact?
Even if the other person initiates contact with you after you have been served with the injunction, this contact on their part does not void the binding effect of the original injunction. Efforts at reconciliation on the part of the Petitioner can be dangerous as they could subject you to arrest for violation of the injunction. Keep in mind that only the judge can dismiss the injunction. If law enforcement observes a violation of the injunction, you are still subject to arrest, regardless of the fact that contact was initiated by the other party. A St. Petersburg / Clearwater lawyer can assist you in petitioning the court for a dismissal of the injunction.
However, if you’ve been arrested for violation of an injunction, we can help. Our office can bring the petitioner’s conduct to the attention of the State Attorney’s Office and the judge. This strategy, if handled in a diplomatic fashion, could go a long way toward minimizing your exposure to criminal penalties associated with the alleged violation of the court order.
What are the penalties for Violation of Injunction?
In Florida, a violation of injunction is a first-degree misdemeanor. The maximum possible penalty carries up to a $1,000.00 fine and as much as 365 days in the County Jail. Violating an injunction is looked upon as a serious offense by the Court system. It is not unusual for the Assistant State Attorney to view a violation of injunction as not just a crime against a particular victim, but also a crime against the peace and dignity of the State of Florida. The Assistant State Attorney will argue that your violation of the injunction demonstrated a disregard for the law and a disregard for the authority of the Court to modify or restrict your behavior. Likewise, the Court will be concerned about the possibility that your continued violation of the injunction could lead to the commission of a violent crime. Accordingly, many Judges who are called on to impose a sentence in a Violation of Injunction case want to send a strong message that violating a court ordered injunction will not be tolerated.
If you are convicted of violating a domestic related injunction, the judge is mandated by Florida law to require you to attend a 26 week course of domestic violence counseling. This penalty can be waived, if the court is persuaded to make findings on the record that counseling is not necessary or appropriate in your case. Our office can discuss with you the possibility of pursuing a waiver of this requirement.
The Source of this information is the Pinellas Clerk.
The Law Office of Susan L. Ray, P.A.
Phone: (239) 210-2100 | Fax: (866) 397-1370
12520 World Plaza Lane, Suite 1
Fort Myers, FL 33907
12520 World Plaza Lane, Suite 1
Fort Myers, FL 33907
