Protective orders, or "restraining orders," protect victims of abuse or stalking by requiring perpetrators to stay a certain distance away for a specified period of time. They are primarily used by victims of domestic violence. North Carolina protective order laws allow for a one-year period and may be renewed for an additional year; and violation of the terms of a protective order is penalized as a Class A1 misdemeanor.
Learn about North Carolina's protective order laws below. See Details on State Protective Order Laws for more details.
| Code Section | 50B-1, et seq. |
| Activity Addressed by Order | Enjoin contact; exclude from dwelling; regarding minors: temporary custody, visitations, support, counseling; prohibit purchase of a firearm; court costs and attorney fees |
| Duration of Order | 1 year; may be renewed for an additional year |
| Penalty for a Violation of Order | Class A1 misdemeanor |
| Who May Apply for Order | Any aggrieved party; a minor may be represented by a person who resides with or has custody |
| Can Fees Be Waived? | Yes |
| Order Transmission to Law Enforcement | Copy to police department of city of victim's residence or sheriff of county police department where victim resides |
| Civil Liability for Violation of Order | Yes, contempt of court |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact a North Carolina domestic violence attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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North Carolina Protective Orders Laws: Related Resources
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