Charged with Violating a No Contact Order

Violation of No Contact Order Defense in St Cloud and Apple Valley and statewide across Minnesota.

When you are accused of violating a no contact order in St Cloud, Apple Valley, or anywhere in Minnesota, the charge is often based on a single text message, a chance encounter in public, or contact initiated by the protected party. Even if the other person reached out to you first, you can still be arrested and charged. The violation carries additional criminal penalties on top of the original case, and a conviction may result in jail time, extended probation, and a more restrictive order. The allegation itself can affect pending criminal cases, custody disputes, and conditions of your release.

Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC defends individuals accused of violating no contact orders throughout Minnesota, including violations related to domestic abuse, harassment, and assault cases. The firm responds quickly to new allegations, examines the terms of the order, and reviews evidence such as phone records, GPS data, and witness statements. In St Cloud, Apple Valley, and surrounding areas, this often involves addressing whether contact was intentional, whether the protected party initiated communication, and whether the order was properly served. The goal is to minimize additional consequences and protect you from compounding criminal charges.

If you are facing a violation charge in St Cloud, Apple Valley, or anywhere in Minnesota, contact Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC to discuss your defense.

What the Court Considers When Evaluating Contact

Your attorney begins by obtaining a copy of the no contact order and confirming that it was properly served and that you understood its terms. In St Cloud, Apple Valley, and surrounding areas, this includes reviewing whether the order specified no contact of any kind, whether exceptions existed for custody exchanges, and whether the alleged contact falls within the prohibited conduct. The firm also examines phone records, social media messages, and any video footage that shows who initiated the contact.

After the defense is prepared, you will know whether the prosecutor can prove intentional contact, whether exceptions or defenses apply, and what penalties you face if convicted. You will understand how the violation affects your underlying criminal case, whether the no contact order will be extended, and what conditions will be imposed if you are convicted. The firm also prepares you for how judges treat violation cases, which are often taken seriously even when the contact seems minor.

The firm handles criminal defense for violations but does not modify or dissolve civil orders for protection. Once the criminal case is resolved, you will know what terms remain in place, how long the order lasts, and whether you can petition for modifications. The defense is based on the specific facts of the alleged contact and the language of the order itself.

Violations of no contact orders are treated seriously by Minnesota courts, and many people are charged even when the contact was unintentional or initiated by the other party. These questions address the concerns that come up most often after someone is accused of a violation.

These situations raise questions about what happens now

Contact includes direct communication such as phone calls, texts, or in-person conversations, as well as indirect contact through third parties or social media. Some orders also prohibit being within a certain distance of the protected party or their home, even if no communication occurs.
What counts as contact under a no contact order?
You can still be charged with a violation even if the protected party initiated contact. The order prohibits you from responding, and the prosecutor will argue that you had a legal obligation to ignore the communication and report it to your attorney or the court.
What happens if the protected party contacted me first?
A violation can result in harsher penalties in your original case, including revocation of probation, increased bail, or additional conditions of release. Prosecutors often use violations as leverage in plea negotiations, and judges view violations as evidence that you are not taking the court's orders seriously.
How does a violation affect my underlying criminal case?
The protected party can request that the order be modified or dismissed, but the judge makes the final decision. Your attorney can file a motion to modify the order if circumstances have changed, such as the need for custody exchanges or the resolution of the underlying criminal case.
When can a no contact order be modified or dismissed?
Violating a no contact order is typically a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, but a second violation within ten years becomes a gross misdemeanor with up to one year in jail. Judges often impose jail time for violations, even for first-time offenders.
What are the penalties for violating a no contact order in Minnesota?

Abedi Hanson Sletten PLLC represents clients statewide from offices in St Cloud and Apple Valley, providing time-sensitive defense when new allegations arise. The firm works to protect you from additional penalties and addresses how the violation affects your broader legal situation. Get in touch to start your defense.