Harassment and stalking can be frightening and overwhelming, leaving you feeling unsafe and uncertain. If you are a victim of harassment in Minnesota, you have legal options to protect yourself. One of the most effective is obtaining a Harassment Restraining Order (HRO).
What is a Harassment Restraining Order?
An HRO is a legal order that prohibits the harasser from contacting you or coming within a certain distance of you. This protection can help restore your sense of security and gives you the legal right to involve law enforcement if the harassment continues.
Under Minnesota Statutes §609.748, harassment includes:
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A single incident of physical assault
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A single incident of sexual assault
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A single incident of stalking
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Nonconsensual distribution of private sexual images
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Targeted residential picketing
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Repeated acts, words, or gestures that cause a substantial negative effect on your safety, security, or privacy
The Process for Obtaining an HRO
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File a Petition
File a petition with the district court in the county where you live or where the harassment occurred. The petition should describe the incidents in detail and include any supporting evidence. -
Serve the Harasser
Once the petition is filed, the court issues a summons. The harasser (respondent) must be personally served, usually by a sheriff or authorized officer. -
Attend the Hearing
At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your case to a judge. Bring any supporting evidence, such as text messages, emails, photos, or witness statements. The respondent will also have a chance to appear. After hearing both sides, the judge will decide whether to grant the order. -
Follow the Order
If the judge grants the HRO, it typically lasts for up to two years, but it can be extended if violations occur. The harasser is legally prohibited from contacting you.
What Happens if the Harasser Violates an HRO?
Violating an HRO is a crime. If the harasser ignores the court order:
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Law enforcement can arrest them immediately
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They may face criminal charges ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony
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Penalties may include fines, jail time, or prison, depending on the circumstances
This enforcement gives victims a powerful tool to stop ongoing harassment.
Civil vs. Criminal Proceedings
It’s important to note that an HRO is a civil order, not a criminal conviction. However, any violation of an HRO is treated as a criminal offense and carries serious penalties. This ensures that victims have strong legal protection.
Why Work with an Experienced Attorney?
Although you can file an HRO on your own, having an experienced attorney by your side can make the process less stressful and increase your chances of success. Attorney Judith Samson has over 20 years of experience helping Minnesotans obtain harassment restraining orders. She will:
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Guide you through filing the petition
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Help organize and present evidence clearly
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Represent you at hearings
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Advocate for the strongest possible protections for you and your family
Contact Judith Samson Today
If you are experiencing harassment, don’t wait to seek help. Attorney Judith Samson is dedicated to protecting victims of harassment and helping them secure the legal protections they need.
Call (612) 333-8001 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Judith serves clients throughout Minnesota and is available 24/7.
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.
