What Happens if I Violate a Protection Order in Michigan?

If you violate a protection order in Michigan, you could face extensive repercussions including jail time, fines, and additional penalties. Continue reading and consult with a skilled Upper Peninsula criminal defense lawyer for more information today.

What is a Protection Order?

A protection order is another term for a restraining order and is generally referred to as a PPO (Personal Protection Order) in Michigan. PPOs are court orders designed to stop threats, violence, or harassment against an individual who has experienced this type of abuse at the hands of another person.

There are three types of PPOs issued by MI courts.

1. Domestic relationship PPO: The abuser is the victim’s current or ex-spouse, their child’s other parent, someone they currently or used to live with, or someone they have dated romantically.
2. Nondomestic/stalking PPO: The abuser is a person the victim does not have a domestic relationship with and there have been at least two incidents of harassment that have caused them emotional harm or fear.
3. Nondomestic sexual assault PPO: The abuser is a person the victim does not have a domestic relationship with and who has sexually assaulted them or threatened to sexually assault them.

Regardless of the situation, PPOs are important and can protect victims in a variety of ways. Depending on the type of PPO, the order can prohibit the abuser from the following.

• Entering the victim’s home
• Threatening the victim
• Taking the children if the victim has custody
• Buying or possessing a gun
• Interfering with the victim’s job or school
• Stalking
• Contacting the victim
• Following the victim or appearing within their sight
• Any other behaviors that interfere with the victim’s freedom or make them reasonably afraid of violence

The specific protections outlined in the PPO will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the situation.

What Happens if I Violate a Protection Order in MI?

If you do not obey the terms and conditions of a Personal Protection Order against you, you could face a variety of legal penalties. A PPO is in effect in the state of Michigan as soon as it is signed by the judge, and once the order has been served to you it can be enforced anywhere within the United States.

If you violate the PPO after it has been served to you, you could be arrested immediately given that the police have reasonable cause to believe that you have violated the terms. The petitioner could also file a motion stating that you violated the order.

After your alleged violation, you will attend an arraignment or hearing, depending on whether you were arrested or not. You will be charged with contempt. If you admit guilt or the judge finds you guilty of contempt, you could face up to 93 days in jail, fines of up to $500, additional restrictions added to the PPO, and more. Depending on the violation you could also face additional criminal charges for assault or other relevant offenses.