Restraining orders are designed to prevent any further violence between a defendant and an alleged victim. As a result, they generally prevent a defendant from having any contact with the alleged victim.
This becomes especially complicated in domestic situations. If someone is accused of a violent act against a family member or a roommate, the court may be able to order them to leave their home, school, or place of work. This can have a devastating effect on a person’s life, even before the court determines the outcome of the case.
If a court does convict someone, this order may become permanent. In addition, these orders carry the full weight of law.