Rhode Island No Contact Order Violation Lawyer

Criminal Defense Lawyer John E. MacDonald, Inc. of Providence, Rhode Island

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At the time of an arraignment hearing in a Rhode Island court, a No Contact Order (NCO) will be issued against a defendant. Once a No Contact Order is in place, the defendant cannot contact or communicate with the alleged victim in any way throughout the duration of the criminal case, trial, and sentence.

If a No Contact Order is violated, it can lead to serious penalties and punishments. If you’ve been charged with domestic abuse or assault, you will be issued with a No Contact Order. If you’ve violated a No Contact Order or if you suspect that someone will accuse you of violating a No Contact Order, you need to speak with a Rhode Island No Contact Order violation lawyer immediately. The law firm of John E. MacDonald can provide the support and legal resources you need to move forward. 

John E. MacDonald has been defending those accused of violating No Contact Orders for years. He has the legal skills and experience to help you avoid maximum penalties and ensure that your rights are not being abused. Rhode Island takes violations of No Contact Orders seriously. You need a trustworthy No Contact Order Violation attorney by your side to defend you. Call 401.421.1440 the law office of John E. MacDonald today to schedule an appointment to learn more about how a No Contact Order violation can affect you. 

What You Need to Know About Rhode Island No Contact Order Violations

A violation of a No Contact Order can lead to a plethora of other legal problems and punishments. This is why it’s so important to understand the laws, policies, and procedures that are set in place when a No Contact Order is issued. Below you’ll find some frequently asked questions and answers concerning Rhode Island No Contact Order laws and violations. 

How long does a No Contact Order last in Rhode Island?

Once a No Contact Order is issued, it will remain in effect for the entirety of the criminal case, including through the length of the sentence and probation. For example, if you’ve been charged with domestic assault and you’ve been sentenced to 2 years in jail and 1-year probation, your No Contact Order will remain active until your probation period is over. Many No Contact Order violations occur because a defendant is unaware of the expiration date of the NCO. It’s important to be well-informed of your No Contact Order instructions as well as its timeline. For more information on this, contact a Rhode Island No Contact Order violation attorney at our law firm today. 

Can Rhode Island No Contact Orders be dropped or modified?

The only way a No Contact Order can be dropped or modified is by the request of the victim and the approval of a Rhode Island judge. It’s important to not make any assumptions about a No Contact Order being dropped or modified, even if the victim promises that the request has been filed. In certain cases, even if a victim requests a No Contact Order to be dropped, a judge might deny that request to protect an individual or their family. To learn more about the terms and conditions in which No Contact Orders are often dropped or modified, speak with a Rhode Island No Contact Order violation lawyer at our office for more information. 

Do no contact orders apply out of state?

Yes. Let’s say your ex-spouse visits family in Massachusetts, and you decide you’d like to see your ex-spouse and children while they’re visiting that location, you will be charged with a No Contact Order violation. This point is especially important to understand in Rhode Island, where crossing state lines happens more often than in other states. Just remember that your No Contact Order has no boundaries and applies everywhere. Contact our law firm to learn more. 

How do I obtain personal belongings from a location where there’s a No Contact Order in place?

Do not, under any circumstances, show up to a location where the alleged victim lives. You can be charged with violating your No Contact Order if you visit this location, even if it’s your own home. Your lawyer can make arrangements for you to safely collect your personal belongings without violating the protective order. If you’ve been issued a No Contact Order and you need to obtain documents, medication, electronic devices, clothes, or other personal belongings, you need to speak with a Rhode Island No Contact Order violation lawyer as soon as possible. Contact our law firm today to hear how we can help. 

What is the difference between a restraining order and a No Contact Order?

A No Contact Order (NCO) is associated with criminal charges. If someone commits a crime against another person, a No Contact Order will be set in place for the entire length of time of the criminal case as well as the length of time of the sentence. For example, if someone is charged with domestic assault and is sentenced to 2 years in prison, the No Contact Order will be in effect for 2 years. A No Contact Order can only be dropped if requested by the victim and approved by a judge. 

A restraining order can be issued anytime an individual has been abused, stalked, harassed, or feels another person is threatening them physically or sexually. For more information on the difference between a restraining order and a No Contact Order, call our law firm to speak with an attorney that specializes in protective orders. 

What are the penalties for violating a No Contact Order in Rhode Island? 

If you violate a No Contact Order, you will be charged with a misdemeanor offense. This criminal offense will go down on your record and be able to be viewed on criminal background checks. Violations of No Contact Orders can result in up to 1 year in prison and up to $1,000 in fines. If your charges involved domestic violence, you may also be required to attend a Batterer’s Intervention program.  

While some will do their very best to avoid violating a No Contact Order, it still happens, sometimes even accidentally. For instance, you may reach out to your former spouse to ask about your child’s health or academics. While it seems minor and non-violent, this type of contact can result in a violation of a No Contact Order and lead to a criminal offense. If you’ve recently violated a No Contact Order, even if it was an accident,  it’s crucial to speak with a Rhode Island No Contact Order violation lawyer immediately. Contact our law firm to learn more about your options. 

How can a Rhode Island No Contact Order Violation lawyer help? 

A Rhode Island No Contact Order violation lawyer can help you understand the terms of your protective order, provide legal guidance throughout the duration of the No Contact order, defend you if you violate the No Contact Order, and make sure your rights are being protected. In many cases, No Contact Orders are an unjust and inappropriate response to misinterpreted actions. However, violating a No Contact Order can lead to additional legal problems or more severe criminal charges. Having a Rhode Island No Contact Order violation lawyer by your side can make sure that there are no unnecessary charges held against you and help you avoid further legal trouble. 

Call the Best Rhode Island No Contact Order Violation Lawyer Today 

We understand that protective orders can place heavy burdens on individuals, couples, and families. John E. MacDonald can provide you with the support and legal guidance you need to help you get through this difficult time. Call 401.421.1440 the law firm of John E. MacDonald today to schedule an appointment with the best Rhode Island No Contact Order violation lawyer.