Criminal Protective Order / No-Contact Order

Mandatory Criminal Court Orders With Serious Consequences — Sonoma County

A Criminal Protective Order (CPO), often called a No-Contact Order, is issued by the criminal court when criminal charges are filed. These orders are not optional, are often issued automatically, and are enforced aggressively.

Unlike civil or family court restraining orders, a criminal protective order is controlled by the court and the prosecutor — not the protected person. Even if both parties want contact, violating a criminal order can result in immediate arrest and new criminal charges.

To understand pricing and service options for restraining order–related matters, visit: View Pricing & Packages. To get a quote based on your situation, use: Request a Quote or call (707) 343-9972 to see if you qualify for a free consultation.

Criminal protective orders frequently overlap with Domestic Violence Restraining Orders , Emergency Restraining Orders , and restraining orders involving children .

How Criminal Protective Orders Are Issued

Criminal protective orders are typically issued at the very beginning of a criminal case, often at arraignment. The judge may issue a full no-contact order or a limited order depending on the charges and alleged conduct.

These orders may apply even if the alleged victim objects. Once issued, the order remains in effect until modified or lifted by the criminal court.

Violating a criminal protective order is a separate crime. Texting, calling, emailing, showing up in person, or communicating through a third party can all result in arrest.

Types of Criminal Protective Orders

Criminal protective orders can include:

Full no-contact orders
Stay-away orders with distance requirements
Peaceful or limited contact orders (rare and court-controlled)
Orders affecting residence access
Orders impacting custody or visitation indirectly

These orders are often strict and unforgiving. Even accidental or well-intentioned contact can trigger enforcement.

Criminal Orders Override Other Court Orders

A critical rule many people do not understand: criminal protective orders override family and civil court orders.

Even if a family court order allows contact, a criminal no-contact order controls. Violating the criminal order will result in criminal consequences.

This is especially important in cases involving DVROs or overlapping custody issues involving children.

We Help You Navigate Criminal Protective Orders Correctly

Criminal protective orders create confusion, fear, and risk. One mistake can result in arrest.

We assist by:

Explaining the scope and limits of the criminal order
Helping you understand what contact is prohibited
Coordinating compliance with related family court filings
Preparing supporting documentation for modification requests
Organizing evidence when criminal and civil matters overlap

While we do not provide legal advice, we help ensure your filings, documentation, and compliance efforts are clear and organized.

Serious Consequences Require Serious Handling

Criminal protective orders can affect housing, employment, custody, and future court proceedings.

Misunderstanding or ignoring these orders can permanently damage your case. Proper handling protects your rights and reduces unnecessary risk.

Our senior paralegal team has assisted with over 1,000 restraining orders that have been granted and related compliance matters throughout Sonoma County.