English
EspañolWhat happens if the abuser violates the order?
In addition to the abuser being held in contempt of court, violating a temporary or final harassment restraining order can be a misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor, or a felony, depending on the circumstances.1 For the violation to be a gross misdemeanor, the abuser would have to commit the violation within ten years of a prior conviction for a “qualified domestic violence-related crime.”2 To read the list of crimes that are considered “qualified domestic violence-related offenses,” including juvenile offenses, see Minn. Stat. § 609.02(16).
The abuser may be guilty of a felony for violating a harassment restraining order if s/he violates the order under any of the following circumstances:
- within ten years of two or more convictions for qualified domestic violence-related offenses, including juvenile offenses;
- the violation is because of your actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, or national origin as defined in Minn. Stat. § 363A.03;
- by falsely impersonating another person;
- while possessing a dangerous weapon;
- with the goal of influencing a juror, or affecting (“tampering with”) a court case, or retaliating against a judicial officer, prosecutor, defense attorney, or officer of the court because of the person’s performance of official duties in connection with a judicial proceeding; or
- against a victim who is under the age of 18 when the abuser is at least 36 months older than the victim.3
1 Minn. Stat. § 609.748(6)(b), (6)(c), (6)(d), (6)(h)
2 Minn. Stat. § 609.748(6)(c)
3 Minn. Stat. § 609
