Understanding Orders of Protection in New York

Understanding What It Means When an Order of Protection Is Issued Against You

If you have an order of protection against you, it means a judge has issued a legally binding directive requiring you to have no contact with the protected party. This court order must be taken seriously because any violation, intentional or not, can result in immediate arrest and additional criminal charges, including criminal contempt. When an order of protection is in place, the most important thing you can do is strictly avoid any contact or interaction with the person the order is designed to protect. An experienced order of protection lawyer in NY can help you understand your obligations, defend against allegations, and protect your rights.

What an Order of Protection Requires You To Do

Although every case is different, most New York orders of protection contain three major requirements. Understanding these provisions is critical because even accidental violations may lead to criminal charges.

Stay-Away Requirements in an Order of Protection

A stay-away provision requires you to keep your distance from the protected person. This includes staying away from their home, workplace, school, and any location they are reasonably expected to be. Importantly, the order limits your actions—not theirs. For example, if you are out grocery shopping and unexpectedly see the protected person, the responsibility is entirely on you to leave immediately. Even if the encounter is accidental, remaining in the same location may be considered a violation.

No-Communication Requirements in an Order of Protection

A no-communication provision prohibits any direct or indirect contact with the protected person. This includes speaking in person, calling, texting, emailing, messaging on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat, and leaving comments or reactions on posts. Contact through video platforms like Zoom or Skype is also prohibited.

This also means you cannot attempt communication through another person. Asking a friend or family member to deliver a message, pass along information, or simply “check in” on the protected party will be viewed as third-party contact and is treated as a violation of the order.

No Bad Acts Requirements in an Order of Protection

A no-bad-acts provision typically lists a wide range of prohibited behavior, such as harassment, stalking, assault, or any threatening or harmful conduct. While these actions are already illegal, committing them against someone who is protected by an active order significantly increases the potential penalties you face. For example, assaulting someone you are legally ordered to stay away from may result not only in an assault charge but also in a felony criminal contempt charge, which carries even more severe consequences.

Why Violations of Orders of Protection Are So Serious

Any violation—whether accidental, mistaken, or based on a misunderstanding—can lead to criminal charges, immediate arrest, and a lasting criminal record. Many people find themselves facing criminal contempt allegations simply because they did not fully understand the terms of the order. Because the consequences can affect your freedom, employment, family matters, and future legal proceedings, it is critical to speak with an experienced New York order of protection attorney who can guide you through the process and defend you against allegations.