There are an estimated one million restraining orders active in the U.S. at any given time. Harassment Restraining Orders (HROs) are serious legal protections that can have an enormous impact on the lives of victims and their families.
What is a Harassment Restraining Order?
A Harassment Restraining Order (HRO) is a court order signed by a judge that directs someone to stop harassing you and prohibits them from contacting you in any way. HROs are civil court orders, but violating them is a crime that can carry serious penalties.
You may be eligible for an HRO if you have been the victim of:
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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 dissemination of private sexual images
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Targeted residential picketing
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Repeated intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures that negatively affect your safety, security, or privacy
Types of Restraining Orders in Minnesota
Minnesota law provides three main types of restraining and protective orders:
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Order for Protection (OFP): Protects victims of domestic abuse by a family or household member.
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Harassment Restraining Order (HRO): Protects victims from harassment, regardless of their relationship to the harasser.
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Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO): Issued by a prosecutor in a criminal case to prevent an abuser from contacting the victim.
Restraining orders may be temporary (issued immediately) or long-term (granted after a hearing). Final orders typically last up to two years but may be extended up to 50 years in severe cases.
Who May Obtain a Harassment Restraining Order?
Any person who is a victim of harassment may file for an HRO in Minnesota. This includes adults filing on behalf of themselves or parents/guardians filing on behalf of a minor. Your relationship with the harasser does not matter — HROs apply whether the person is a stranger, neighbor, coworker, or acquaintance.
The Process for Getting a Harassment Restraining Order
The HRO process begins by filing two documents with the court:
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Petition – states the details of the harassment and requests relief from the court.
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Affidavit – provides facts and evidence supporting the petition.
These documents can be filed in the county where you live, where the harasser lives, or where the harassment took place.
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A judge may grant a temporary HRO the same day you file, if there is immediate danger.
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The harasser (respondent) must be formally served with the paperwork.
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A hearing may be scheduled if either side requests one.
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After the hearing, the judge may grant a long-term HRO, typically lasting up to two years.
What Happens if the Harasser Violates an HRO?
Violating an HRO is a criminal offense. Depending on the circumstances, penalties may include:
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Misdemeanor charges – up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000
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Gross misdemeanor charges – up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $3,000
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Felony charges – up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
These penalties exist to hold the harasser accountable and protect victims from further harm. If your abuser violates an HRO, contact law enforcement immediately.
Why Legal Help Matters
Although victims can file for an HRO without a lawyer, having an experienced attorney ensures that your petition is strong, your evidence is properly presented, and your case is heard clearly in court. This can make the difference between temporary relief and long-term safety.
Minneapolis Harassment Restraining Order Attorney
If you are being harassed, stalked, or threatened, you don’t have to face it alone. Attorney Judith Samson has over 20 years of experience helping Minnesotans secure Harassment Restraining Orders and protect their families. She will guide you through the process with compassion, urgency, and skill.
Call (612) 333-8001, email [email protected], or fill out the online form for a free, confidential consultation. Judith is available 24/7 and serves clients throughout Minnesota.
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.
