The written order controls.
No-contact conditions can be imposed through pretrial release, a criminal case, an injunction, probation, or another court order. Read the exact language. “No contact” may reach direct communication, indirect communication, third-party messages, social media, shared accounts, workplace contact, residence access, or being within a stated distance.
Do not rely on the other person’s permission.
The protected person generally cannot privately cancel a court order. An invitation to call, return home, exchange property, discuss children, or “work it out” does not necessarily make the contact lawful.
Do not use a friend or relative as a messenger.
Asking someone to deliver an apology, request, update, gift, or explanation can be treated as indirect contact. Even neutral logistical communication should be cleared through counsel when an order may apply.
Preserve incoming contact without answering it.
If the protected person calls, texts, emails, appears at a residence, or communicates through another person, preserve the communication in its original form. Take screenshots that show the date, time, sender, and full context, but do not edit the thread or provoke additional messages.
Do not turn preservation into continued conversation.
A response can create a separate allegation even when the other person initiated the contact. Save the evidence, disengage, and obtain legal direction.
Identify practical conflicts early.
Shared housing, children, employment, property, bills, pets, transportation, or medical needs may make the condition difficult to administer. Those problems should be documented for counsel rather than solved informally.
Modification must be handled through the court.
A lawful change generally requires court action. Counsel may need to review the criminal case, the protected person’s position, safety concerns, prior violations, housing or parenting issues, and the prosecutor’s likely response before requesting modification.
Preserve evidence relevant to both compliance and the underlying allegation.
Keep the order, release papers, messages, call logs, photographs, property records, witness information, and any prior communication showing the relationship context. Do not delete unfavorable material; counsel needs the complete record.
Related guidance includes domestic-violence accusations and the firm’s domestic-violence defense analysis. This page provides general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship.