Attentive Legal Problem-Solving For Your Alaska Family

What happens when subjected to an Alaska protective order?

On Behalf of | Jan 8, 2020 | Uncategorized |

The intense emotions involved in interpersonal relationships can lead people to behave in irresponsible or even violent manners. A disagreement with your loved one may provoke uncontrollable anger or frustration that results in very loud arguments or a physical altercation.

Once law enforcement officers get involved, the potential exists for one or both individuals to face domestic violence charges. However, even in circumstances where no criminal charges result, a protection order may be called for. If the other person gets a protective order against you, that could have a drastic influence on your life and your relationship.

How does Alaska issue protective orders, and what do they include?

Individuals who fear for their safety or the safety of their immediate family because of domestic violence, stalking or threats can go to the courts and request a protective order, a process that someone can mostly complete online. The person seeking the order must submit information about why they are seeking the protective order and what they hope the protective order will do for them.

The courts can then choose to grant the protective order if they feel the concern has a valid legal basis, although they do deny requests as well. The terms of the protective order will vary depending on the circumstances. It is common for a protective order to limit someone’s contact with the subject of the protective order.

For example, the state could order you to not have any form of communication, including digital communication or online contact, with the person who requested the protective order. Other times, the protective order could result in an order to stay a certain distance away from that individual, their home, their place of employment or their school. In some cases, protective orders can even prevent someone from talking about another person, especially online or on social media.

What happens when someone violates the protective order?

The violation of a protective order can result in criminal consequences. If an individual makes contact with someone currently under an order of protection, the person who holds the protective order can call law enforcement and report the incident. Reports of violations can impact family law cases and result in criminal charges.

It is possible for police to arrest the individual who violates the protective order and charge them with a misdemeanor offense. Those who violate a protective order could face up to a year in jail and a fine of as much as $5,000. That means that anyone subject to a protective order should do their best to comply with its terms, even if the person who requests it extends the length of time that the order lasts.