Raleigh Domestic Violence Protective Order Enforcement

Enforcement of DVPO Orders in Raleigh, NC

Domestic violence protection orders (DVPO) are court orders that are signed and issued by a judge. Just like with any legal document, violating the terms of a DVPO can result in a host of problems for both the victim and their abuser. The victim may suffer physical, mental and emotional abuse all over again, while the perpetrator can suffer criminal penalties.

As such, it is of the utmost importance to ensure the terms and conditions of DVPOs are being met in order to protect you and your children from further domestic violence acts. Our Raleigh domestic violence lawyers have your best interests at heart and will work to uphold the terms outlined in your DVPO and pursue criminal penalties for the operator’s failure to comply with it.

Contact us online or call (919) 694-4595 to speak with Hopper Law Office today!

Filing a Motion for Contempt

North Carolina law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcing valid protective orders, even ones that were issued out-of-state. But you cannot trust that they will be “on top of it” 24/7, as law enforcement officers have a lot of similar responsibilities on their plate and can make mistakes.

Luckily, you have the option to file a motion for contempt for the violation of your DVPO, ex parte or emergency order against your abuser. If a court finds that you and/or your minor child are in danger of suffering domestic violence, the clerk or magistrate will schedule a hearing at the earliest time possible.

Our domestic violence lawyer at Hopper Law Office can advocate for you every step of the way to ensure you receive comprehensive protection from your perpetrator and that they get punished for their civil wrongdoings. Such wrongdoings carry criminal reprimands.

Penalties for Violating DVPOs

As mentioned above, perpetrators can suffer criminal consequences for violating valid protective orders, whether they be emergency protective orders, “ex parte” orders or DVPOs. The penalty for this offense is a Class A1 misdemeanor punishable by 60 to 150 days in jail and an additional fine at the court’s discretion

However, if the abuser committed a felony that they know is prohibited by a valid protective order, they will be guilty of a felony that is one class higher than the felony they were initially charged for unless it was a Class A or B1 felony. If the perpetrator was previously convicted for two counts of domestic violence and violated your DVPO, they will get a Class H felony charge punishable by a maximum of 39 months in jail.

Has Your Abuser Violated Your DVPO?

It is crucial to take legal action against your perpetrator for violating the domestic violence protective order against them. You deserve to live your life free of worry about experiencing future abuse, and our Raleigh domestic violence attorney will work tirelessly to ensure justice is served on your behalf.

Whether you want to file a motion for contempt for the violation of your DVPO or take it to the next level and press criminal charges, Hopper Law Office is here for you every step of the way. We will through explain all of your available options and provide the legal counsel you need to make the best possible decision. Although you likely didn’t expect to be dealing with the court system again, our team will strive to make your experience as smooth and anxiety-free as possible.

If you have questions or would like to get started, contact Hopper Law Office at (919) 694-4595!