If you or a loved one are in need of a bail bond for allegedly violating a temporary restraining order in Las Vegas or anywhere in the state of Nevada, we at Godfathers Bail Bonds are poised to come to your immediate assistance with our team of experienced, local bail bondsmen. We understand the turmoil and confusion that an unexpected arrest and court hearing can bring, and we are committed to protecting your rights and guiding you step by step through the bail bonds process, so you can get out of jail fast and prepare a solid defense with an attorney of your choice.
What Constitutes a Temporary Restraining Order Violation in Nevada?
A restraining order is often issued in domestic violence, abuse, stalking, workplace harassment or other case where the plaintiff feels threatened by the defendant or claims he/she poses a serious danger to his/her safety. The specifics of restraining orders vary from case to case, but they typically include a prohibition from coming within so many feet of the plaintiff, from coming near his/her home, school, or place of employment, and from attempting to contact the person by any means whatsoever. They can also include a ban on carrying a firearm, which would not require contact or near contact to count as a violation of the order.
An "extended restraining order" is active for a full year, but a "temporary restraining order" only lasts for 30 days in most cases. These orders must be served to the defendant to become active and will expire after the 30 days if never served. An extended order can be petitioned for while the temporary order is active, and if this occurs, the temporary order will remain in force until a hearing on the extended order is held, regardless of its original expiration date.
Any infraction of any provision of a temporary restraining order, while it is still active, is a "violation." This is a new charge distinct from the one that got the restraining order issued in the first place, and it carries with it its own punishments and bail requirements.
What Are the Penalties and the Bail Amount for Violating a Temporary Restraining Order?
Violating a temporary restraining order is normally a "gross misdemeanor," which can be punished by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. A gross misdemeanor, in Nevada, has a standardized bail of $2,000, whereas an "ordinary" misdemeanor would only require $1,000 to be posted for bail. A violation of an extended restraining order, by contrast, is a "Category C Felony," which is punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The latter would require a much higher bail amount, typically enough to cover the $10,000 fine.
If the act during which the restraining order was violated was a felony in its own right, the prison term can be doubled, and the bail will rise correspondingly to the severity of the crime committed. Other charges may also be added to the charge of violation of a temporary restraining order, such as "contempt of court" or "criminal contempt." The former may add a $500 fine and a 25-day jail stint, while the latter could add 6 months' jail time and a $1,000 fine. In such cases, your bail could easily exceed the standard $2,000.
We at Godfathers Bail Bonds know the details of Nevada bail bond law concerning violations of temporary restraining orders. We can help you sort through the confusion and minimize your time behind bars. Contact us today at 702-384-4007 for a free bail bonds consultation.
