A restraining order can have a dramatic impact on your life. There are limitations where you can go, who you talk to, and the things you are allowed to do. A restraining order can even prevent you from being in your own house, speaking to your own children or spouse.
The terms of the order may seem harsh and unfair to you, but it is essential to comply with them. Failure to comply with the rules can lead to serious legal trouble and even land you in jail. If you get served with a restraining order in New Jersey, you must consult with an attorney to avoid violating the terms and understand your options.
Ways you can violate a restraining order
1. Not moving out.
If you and the person who filed the restraining order live in the same house, you are required to move out of it in order to maintain distance from the person. The protected person has the option to remain in the house, even if you own it. They won’t face any legal trouble for staying in your house. However, you will be penalized for being too close to them.
2. Being too close to the victim.
A restraining order is a protective order meant to protect one person from another. This means the other person is required to maintain a certain distance from the protected person. If you go near them, they may feel threatened by you and file a complaint.
3. Attempting to contact the person.
Some restraining orders in New Jersey require you to have absolutely no contact with the victim, be it in person, on calk, or through social media. If there is an obligation in the order filed against you, make sure you obey it. Do not try to fix the situation by attempting to speak with the person. Even a phone call can land you in jail.
4. Visiting your shared workplace or school.
A restraining order can sure be tricky, especially if you work in the same company/office or go to the same school/college. If the victim says that they feel threatened by your presence, you have no choice but to stop going to work and school. Even if you do not interfere with the victim’s activities, you can still violate the rules and end up in trouble.
5. Possessing a gun.
If you have a gun, you are probably going to have to give it up. Restraining orders typically require you to forfeit any firearm in your possession during the course of the order.
