For more than 20 years, attorney Judith Samson has helped Minnesotans understand their legal rights and navigate complex legal situations involving harassment, domestic abuse, and protective orders. She represents individuals seeking protection from harassment or abuse as well as individuals responding to restraining orders or allegations, helping clients understand the court process and pursue the strongest possible outcome for their situation.
Protective Orders Available Under Minnesota Law
Minnesota law provides several legal tools designed to protect individuals from harassment or domestic abuse. At the same time, these orders can significantly affect the rights, freedom, and reputation of the person accused. The most common protective orders include:
- Domestic Abuse No Contact Orders (DANCOs): Criminal court orders issued during a domestic abuse case that prohibit contact between the accused person and the alleged victim.
- Orders for Protection (OFPs): Civil court orders available under Minnesota’s Domestic Abuse Act that can restrict contact, remove a person from a home, and provide other protections.
- Harassment Restraining Orders (HROs): Civil court orders available to individuals experiencing harassment, even when there is no family or household relationship between the parties.
Violating any of these court orders may result in misdemeanor or felony criminal charges.
What Is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse—sometimes referred to as intimate partner violence—is behavior used to harm, intimidate, or control another person in a close relationship. Abuse may involve many different forms of conduct, including:
- Physical violence (hitting, choking, pushing, or kicking)
- Sexual abuse or coercion
- Emotional or verbal abuse such as threats or intimidation
- Financial control
- Isolation or manipulation
- Interference with emergency calls
Types of Protective Orders in Minnesota
Domestic Abuse No Contact Orders (DANCO)
A DANCO is issued during a criminal case involving allegations of domestic abuse, harassment, or stalking involving a family or household member. The order prohibits contact between the accused person and the alleged victim while the criminal case is pending.
Violating a DANCO may result in additional criminal charges and penalties.
Orders for Protection (OFP)
An Order for Protection (OFP) is a civil court order requested under Minnesota’s Domestic Abuse Act. An OFP may prohibit a person from:
- Contacting the other party or their children
- Entering the family home
- Going near the other party’s workplace, school, or daycare
An OFP may also address temporary custody, parenting time, or other family-related issues. Violating an OFP is a criminal offense.
Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO)
A Harassment Restraining Order (HRO) is available under Minn. Stat. §609.748 to individuals experiencing harassment. Unlike an OFP, an HRO does not require a family or household relationship.
Harassment may include:
- A single act of physical or sexual assault
- Non-consensual sharing of private sexual images
- Targeted residential picketing
- Stalking or repeated unwanted contact
- Threats, intimidation, or blackmail
Parents or guardians may also file HRO petitions on behalf of minors.
Who Is Eligible for a Harassment Restraining Order?
Anyone who has experienced harassment may be eligible to seek an HRO. If granted, the order may prohibit the respondent from contacting or approaching the protected person.
Violations of a restraining order can result in criminal charges, fines, or jail time.
Legal Help With HROs, OFPs, and Protective Orders
Protective order cases can move quickly and have serious consequences for everyone involved. Whether you are seeking protection from harassment or domestic abuse, or you have been served with an HRO or OFP and need to respond, it is important to understand your legal rights and options.
Attorney Judith Samson represents both individuals requesting protective orders and those responding to them. She assists clients in preparing petitions, defending against allegations, gathering evidence, and presenting their cases effectively in court.
Minneapolis Harassment Restraining Order Attorney
If you are considering filing for a Harassment Restraining Order or Order for Protection, or if you have been served with one and need legal advice, attorney Judith Samson can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Call (612) 333-8001, email [email protected], or complete the online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.
Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
