No Contact Orders in FL & How to Interact with Alleged Domestic Violence Victims

If you are arrested for domestic violence in Florida, you will be held with no bond until you see a judge at your first appearance (usually the day after arrest). Unless the alleged victim is present in court at your first appearance and requests to have contact, the judge will issue a no-contact order.

As a Pensacola criminal defense attorney, I’ve seen how these orders impact both the alleged victim and the accused. And, yes, no-contact orders exist to safeguard individuals from genuine threats. However, real life is rarely confined to clear-cut binaries.

The Complex Reality of No Contact Orders in Florida

Domestic violence and other criminal cases are messy. They can involve shared children, intertwined finances, co-worker dynamics, and even living spaces. In such scenarios, a blanket no-contact order can be a straitjacket, hindering interactions, complicating lives, and jeopardizing personal stability.

What is a No Contact Order?

In Florida, a no-contact order is a court directive intended to protect the safety of the alleged victims of crimes. These court-imposed injunctions are a standard condition of pretrial release prohibiting any form of communication or physical interaction between the alleged victim and the defendant.

What Do No Contact Orders Prohibit?

Such orders explicitly forbid any direct or indirect interactions. They encompass all conceivable means of communication, from phone calls and emails to social media engagements and messages delivered through third parties. Even if the alleged victim initiates contact, the defendant cannot respond, as only a court has the authority to modify a no-contact order, and any consent by the alleged victim does not negate the order’s enforceability.

Common No Contact Violations

Violating a no-contact order in Florida is easier than you think. Regardless of whether you believe the communication or action was harmless, here are some activities that may result in a violation:

• Indirect Communication: Using someone else to relay a message or sharing communication platforms like group chats may be seen as a breach of the order.
• Physical Proximity: Intentionally being in places where the petitioner is known to spend time can lead to charges of violating the injunction, ranging from a misdemeanor to felony stalking.
• Responding to Contact Initiatives: If the petitioner reaches out, it’s crucial to refrain from responding to avoid compounding legal troubles, especially challenging when familial ties exist.
• Social Media Interaction: Liking, commenting, or interacting with the petitioner’s posts online.
• Sending Gifts or Letters: Delivery of items or mail to the petitioner, even if intended as a goodwill gesture.
• Accidental Encounters: Failing to leave immediately upon unintentionally encountering the petitioner in public spaces can result in a violation.

Living Under Restrictive Court Orders

Complying with a no-contact order can be difficult, particularly with practical everyday matters. Individuals often struggle to adhere to the strict terms while trying to maintain their livelihoods, parent their children, and manage shared assets or property.

When a judge issues a no-contact order, a defendant is routinely barred from returning to their own home and forced to miss important family events.

Can No Contact Orders Be Modified or Lifted?

No contact orders can be modified or lifted, contingent upon the court’s assessment of ongoing risk and the specific situation. For instance, a no-contact order could limit access to your children. But courts typically facilitate arrangements to ensure parenting continues, often requiring supervised exchanges or other reasonable accommodations.

If there is a legitimate need for change, such as altered circumstances or reduced risk, your attorney can file a petition for the modification or dissolution of the order. The court will consider this request, which may involve input from the alleged victim, and decide whether to adjust or remove the order’s terms.

Interacting with Alleged Victims in a No-Contact Order

Navigating the complexities of a no-contact order requires a deep understanding of the terms, especially when domestic violence allegations are involved. Such delicate situations demand a keen awareness of practical matters and a sensitivity to all involved’s emotional and psychological aspects.

It’s tempting to want to reach out to your accuser if you’re arrested for domestic violence or accused of threatening someone. But you should resist the urge.

How to Avoid Violating a No Contact Oder

At Mitkevicius Law, PLLC, we’ve counseled numerous clients on the right approach to Florida no-contact orders while simultaneously addressing domestic violence or other criminal charges. Here is a simple guide to help you understand and respect the boundaries of such orders:

• Acknowledge the Order: Recognize the seriousness of the no-contact order and the necessity for its implementation.
• Document Communication Attempts: Keep a log of any communication attempts made by the alleged victim, as this could be critical for legal proceedings.
• Avoid Direct & Indirect Contact: Refrain from all forms of communication, including through social media or mutual acquaintances.
• Know the Terms: The specifics of your no-contact order or domestic violence injunction can vary significantly.
• Get Legal Help: Consult your attorney before making any decisions construed as interaction with the alleged victim.
• Maintain Public Decorum: In public settings, always act in a manner that respects the no-contact order and avoids interaction with the alleged victim.
• Seek Support: Find a support system or get counseling to help manage the emotional strain that a no-contact order and domestic violence allegations can bring.

Most Importantly, Get a Lawyer to Address No Contact Orders

No contact orders are vital legal protection, particularly in domestic violence cases. Yet, they can complicate daily life and responsibilities, especially for the accused – who likely has not yet been convicted of any crime. At Mitkevicius Law, PLLC, our Pensacola-based defense lawyers understand the nuances of these orders and the challenges you may face.

If you’re affected by a no-contact order in Florida, don’t face it alone. If you are the alleged victim and want help removing the no-contact order, contact us for legal support as we protect your rights and work towards a favorable outcome. Call 850-361-2142 for a free and confidential case consultation.