What happens if a violation takes place?
Call the police. A knowing or intentional violation of a Protective Order is a criminal offense called Invasion of Privacy (Class B Misdemeanor), punishable by up to 180 days imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine. If the violation was accomplished by committing other crimes (e.g., Battery, Confinement, Intimidation), those crimes may also be charged. A police officer need not witness the violation in order to make an arrest as long as there is proof that the Protective Order has been served on the other person, and there is probable cause to believe that the other person committed the violation. Always keep your Protective Order with you and show to the police who respond to your call. If the other person cannot be located, the police officer will submit a report to the Prosecuting Attorney, who will file charges in court if appropriate. It may be necessary later for you to appear in the Prosecutor’s Office to give a statement regarding the incident.
