
How to Drop a No Contact Order in Minnesota
- No Contact Orders in Criminal Cases. ...
- Your Role in the Drama Makes a Difference. ...
- Conditions of Pretrial Release. ...
- Unconditional Bail. ...
- “Well, we can’t have that.”. ...
- They got you, either way. ...
- Two layers of no contact orders. ...
- “when you go to court?”. ...
- Your Rights under Minnesota’s Victim’s Right Act. ...
- A Lawyer Can Help You Drop a No Contact Order. ...
What is a no contact order in Minnesota?
A "no contact order" is a type of order usually issued by a judge in criminal court that orders the criminal defendant not to have contact with someone. There can be both a "no contact order" and a Harassment Restraining Order. Read the law on harassment restraining orders at Minn. Stat. § 609.748.
How do I get a no contact order dropped?
The best way to get a no contact order dropped is to decide which parts of the order you want dropped and complete a motion to modify the order. Submit a copy of both the no contact order and your motion to modify the order to the appropriate office.
What is a domestic abuse no contact order?
After certain criminal charges are filed, a judge may place a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order (DANCO) on the defendant. A DANCO dictates what type of contact the defendant may or may not have with the alleged victim. What is a DANCO? A DANCO is different from an Order of Protection (OFP).
Can a no-contact order be dropped by a judge?
Because judges often are predisposed against dropping a no-contact order, having an attorney on your side can ensure the best arguments are made. If you're the criminal defendant, the attorney who represented you in the criminal case may be able to help you with your motion to terminate or modify the no-contact order.

How do I drop a restraining order in MN?
Typically, either the victim or the defendant can ask the court to lift the restraining order. This is usually completed by filing a motion with the court, such as a Motion to Modify Conditions of Pretrial Release or a Motion to Lift Restraining Order. This legal motion must usually identify the parties.
How do I get a Danco order dropped in MN?
You'll need to petition the judge to have the DANCO dropped, and even if both the defendant and the alleged victim are in favor of the order being removed, there still needs to exist clear and convincing evidence as to why doing so would be in the best interest of all parties.
What happens if you violate a no contact order in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, if a person is guilty of a misdemeanor violation, s/he could be imprisoned for up to 90 days, fined up to $1,000, or both. If s/he is found guilty of a gross misdemeanor violation, s/he could be imprisoned for up to one year, fined up to $3,000, or both.
How can I get around a no contact order?
ask the court to change the order. The court can drop the "no contact" part of the order but keep the "no abuse" part of the order. You can still have an order saying that they can't abuse you, but they won't get in trouble just for contacting you or being with you.
Can you drop charges against someone before court?
A charge can be dropped before or after a charge has been filed. You may need a charge dropped by the prosecutor, or you may need a charge dismissed by the prosecutor, though a court also can dismiss a charge if the prosecutor has made a fundamental legal error in the case.
How long does a Danco order last in MN?
If a person is sentenced to a two-year probationary period, then the new DANCO will exist until the person finishes their two years of probation AND a Judge signs a cancellation of the DANCO. Even if you finish probation, the DANCO may still be in place if a judge has yet to sign the cancellation order.
Can the victim violate a Danco in MN?
Violations can happen even when the victim feels the offense isn't sufficient to justify a DANCO. Such violations can result in criminal charges, fines, or even imprisonment.
What is the difference between a Danco and an OFP?
What is the difference between an OFP, HRO and DANCO? An OFP is directed specifically towards domestic violence issues, while a harassment restraining order can be taken out against any stalker or harasser. A DANCO is issued in criminal cases.
What is the penalty for violating a restraining order in Minnesota?
A violation of a harassment restraining order is typically treated as a misdemeanor. A conviction can include jail time up to 90 days and fines of $1,000.
Can a protection order be Cancelled?
If you've obtained a Protection Order, either you or the respondent can apply to the Family Court to have the order cancelled (“discharged”). The judge will only cancel the Protection Order if satisfied that it's no longer needed for your protection.
Can a restraining order stop someone from talking about you?
Protective injunctions or protection orders can stop stalkers or other unwanted attention, but they need to be strongly substantiated for a court to consider them.
How do I get a no contact order lifted in BC?
How do I get the no contact order changed? You can ask the court that made the order to vary (change) it. Your partner must agree to the change and appear before the judge to explain why. The judge will have to agree that your partner (and any of your or your partner's children) are no longer at risk of harm from you.
Can the victim violate a Danco in MN?
Violations can happen even when the victim feels the offense isn't sufficient to justify a DANCO. Such violations can result in criminal charges, fines, or even imprisonment.
What is the difference between a Danco and an OFP?
What is the difference between an OFP, HRO and DANCO? An OFP is directed specifically towards domestic violence issues, while a harassment restraining order can be taken out against any stalker or harasser. A DANCO is issued in criminal cases.
What is a Danco violation MN?
This is also known as a domestic abuse no-contact order (DANCO). A DANCO violation occurs when the defendant makes contact with the alleged victim while the order is in effect, whether in person, or through phone calls. DANCO violations are easily made and can be as serious as the underlying offense.
How long does a no contact order last in South Dakota?
This Ex Parte Temporary Protection Order may be granted for a period of time up to THIRTY (30) DAYS. The Ex Parte Temporary Protection Order requires the Respondent to stop physically abusing you or putting you in fear of such abuse.
How to get a no contact order dropped?
2. Explain your position to the judge. Since it's your motion, the judge typically has you speak first. Using your notes, tell the judge in your own words why you want the no-contact order dropped. Stick to the facts, and focus on the future rather than the past. Keep in mind that the no-contact order is preventative.
Why would a judge drop a no contact order?
The judge typically will be much more likely to drop the no-contact order if you want to maintain the no-abuse portion of the order. Since the purpose of the order is to protect the victim, maintaining the no-abuse portion of the order continues to do that while allowing the two of you to communicate.
How to modify a no contact order?
1. Contact the court clerk. Before you start drafting a motion to modify your no-contact order, call or visit the clerk's office in the court that issued the order. The clerk can give you more information about the procedure, and may have forms you can use for your motion.
What happens if you get a no contact order?
After a criminal conviction on domestic violence charges, the judge typically issues a no-contact order. This order provides stiff sanctions, including jail time, if the offender attempts to contact the victim of the assault. However, sometimes a no-contact order is impractical – for example, because the two people have a child together, or because they have renewed their relationship. Keep in mind that these orders exist to protect victims of domestic violence, and for this reason getting one dropped can be an uphill battle, even if you are the person the order is supposed to protect.
Why do you need an attorney for a no contact order?
Because judges often are predisposed against dropping a no-contact order, having an attorney on your side can ensure the best arguments are made. If you're the criminal defendant, the attorney who represented you in the criminal case may be able to help you with your motion to terminate or modify the no-contact order.
How many copies of documents do you need to file a no contact order?
After you've signed your documents, make at least three copies of everything you need to file with the court. The clerk will keep the originals. You'll need one copy for your records, plus one copy for the other party listed on the no-contact order and one copy for the prosecutor's office.
How much does it cost to file a no contact order?
When you file your motion, you'll have to pay a filing fee – typically around a hundred dollars.
Where to file a restraining order?
Step 1: Complete your Petition for Harassment Restraining Order forms and file them in court in either the county where you or the Respondent lives, or in the county where the harassment happened.
What are the laws in Minnesota for domestic violence?
The following is a list of some of the laws and rules about domestic abuse and harassment in Minnesota. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518B Domestic Abuse Act. Minnesota Statutes § 609.748 Harassment; Restraining Order. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 260C Child Protection. Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure.
How long is an ex parte restraining order?
Grant an Ex Parte Harassment Restraining Order - meaning that a temporary two-year order is granted without a hearing.
How to prevent further harassment?
prevent further harassment, order the Respondent not to contact you and your family at any time, and. allow police to arrest the Respondent without a warrant for violations of the order. You do not have to report the harassment to the police to ask for a court order.
What is a harassment in Minnesota?
What is Harassment under Minnesota law. a single incident of physical or sexual assault; a single incident of using someone's personal information, without consent, to invite, encourage, or solicit a third party to engage in a sexual act; a single incident of sharing private sexual images of someone without permission;
What is the domestic abuse law in Minnesota?
ch. 518B. That law defines domestic abuse as one of the following acts committed by a family or household member against another family or household member: infliction of physical harm, bodily injury, or assault; infliction of fear of imminent physical harm;
Do you have to use an advocate for OFP?
Fill Out OFP Forms Packet. You do not have to use an advocate. If you choose to ask for an OFP on your own, the MN Judicial Branch does publish OFP Forms Packets. If you are the person asking for an OFP, you are called the "Petitioner" in the case, and the other party is called the "Respondent.".
What is a Danco in Minnesota?
The related criminal charge must be at least one of the following: Any domestic abuse charge, as defined by Minnesota law. Stalking or harassing a family member or household member.
What Should You Do if a DANCO Is in Place?
If you’re a defendant with a DANCO in place, it is critical that you follow the DANCO. We realize how difficult it can be, not having contact with your children or being banned from your own home.
What happens if you violate the Danco?
If you violate the terms of the DANCO, no matter what your intentions are, you could face fines, jail time, and court-ordered counseling. These penalties are in addition to any you may face due to the underlying charge. Never make contact with the alleged victim, even if they reach out to you first.
Can a judge refuse a DANCO?
A judge may refuse your request, modify the DANCO to allow certain contact, or even lift the DANCO entirely . There is a lot at stake, especially for defendants who must stay away from their own homes, or whose relationships with their families are compromised. You need an experienced criminal attorney to help you fight your DANCO.
Can you contact the alleged victim?
Never make contact with the alleged victim, even if they reach out to you first. In many cases, your contact will leave an electronic trail, including emails, phone records, or texts. A DANCO violation is often easy to prove in court. Violating the terms of your DANCO will only make your situation worse.
Can a DANCO be lifted in Minnesota?
Remove No Contact Order Minnesota. The alleged victim cannot lift a DANCO, even if they want to see you or have you come home. Only a judge can lift a DANCO. If you have a DANCO in place, you need an experienced attorney to help you have the order lifted.
3 attorney answers
You can ask a judge to modiy the no contact order to reflect the terms you indicated in your question. If your wife agrees a judge will be more likely to agree. The more pressing issue is probably resolving the criminal case. You should consult with a lawyer to see if both of these issues can be resolved together.
Jennifer Rose Congdon
An assault charge is always serious. A fifth degree domestic assault, is a misdemeanor and requires that he prosecution prove that the defendant commits an act to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or intentionally inflicts bodily harm. It is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine.
Maury Devereau Beaulier
The answer is, that the Judge will have to be persuaded that the alleged victim wants the order lifted, that there is no ongoing danger of additional confrontation, and in general that the order should be lifted as no longer necessary. Your lawyer should put together a strong argument to present to the Court, and the prosecutor at the next hearing.
Subd. 2a. Venue
A person may be prosecuted under subdivision 2 at the place where any call is made or received or, in the case of wireless or electronic communication or any communication made through any available technologies, where the actor or victim resides, or in the jurisdiction of the victim's designated address if the victim participates in the address confidentiality program established under chapter 5B..
Subd. 3. Warrantless custodial arrest
A peace officer shall arrest without a warrant and take into custody a person whom the peace officer has probable cause to believe has violated a domestic abuse no contact order, even if the violation of the order did not take place in the presence of the peace officer, if the existence of the order can be verified by the officer.
How to get a no contact order dropped?
How to Get a No-Contact Order Dropped. A no-contact order may be issued in domestic violence or assault cases in order to protect the safety of a victim or victims. If a defendant is found to be in violation of a current no-contact order, he or she may be arrested, even if the victim initiated the contact. If the victim and defendant want the order ...
Why do we have no contact orders?
A no-contact order may be issued in domestic violence or assault cases in order to protect the safety of a victim or victims. If a defendant is found to be in violation of a current no-contact order, he or she may be arrested, even if the victim initiated the contact.
What to do if a victim wants an order dropped?
If the victim and defendant want the order dropped, the proper court procedure must be followed in order to prevent further legal trouble for the defendant. Examine your motives.
What does a judge demand from a domestic violence counselor?
The judge may demand evidence that it will be safe , such as a recommendation from a domestic violence counselor. Read More: What Is the Difference Between No Contact Order & Restraining Order? Speak with your court advocate or other court personnel about lifting the order if you are the victim.
Do you need a signed copy of a no contact revision?
Carry a signed copy of the no-contact revision with you, just in case you are stopped by police and the computer does not yet reflect the modification.
Do you have to attend a no contact hearing?
Attend the no-contact revision hearing. Both the defendant and victim may be required to attend the hearing. If the judge determines that it is safe to lift the order, a revision will be signed and entered into the computerized criminal justice system. Carry a signed copy of the no-contact revision with you, just in case you are stopped by police ...
What are the different types of protection orders in Minnesota?
Three types of protection orders are issued by Minnesota courts: Domestic Abuse No Contact Orders (DANCO), Orders for Protection (OFP), and Harassment Restraining Orders (HRO). The key differences between them are the issuing court and initiating party and how the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) tracks them.
What is an OFP in MNCIS?
Orders for Protection (OFP) are issued through a civil process at the request of a petitioner. The OFP may be issued to protect the petitioner as well as minor children or others under the guardianship of the petitioner. An OFP is entered in MNCIS and automatically passed to the BCA. The BCA passes the data to NCIC.
