No-Contact Orders in Domestic Assault Cases: What Do They Mean?

No-contact orders mean what you might think: the specified person must not contact another specified person at all, in any way for some period of time. There may be exceptions or conditions to orders like this, such as contact through a designated intermediary for a specific purpose such as visiting children.

Whether a no-contact order has arisen as part of a domestic assault case or some other criminal case, the order means the same thing and functions the same way. As we have already mentioned in a previous blog article, “domestic assault” is not a legal term, but rather everyday language suggesting some type of assault against an intimate partner or family member. The operative word is “assault.”

When Are No-Contact Orders Issued?

There are some circumstances in which a no-contact order may be imposed including the following:

1. As part of a release or bail condition
2. As a probation condition following a conviction or guilty plea
3. As one of possibly multiple conditions within a conditional sentence
4. As part of a peace bond, also known as an 810 recognizance.

What Does No Contact Typically Mean?

No contact means no contact. You cannot go visit the person at home or work. You cannot park outside the person’s home or office watching them. You cannot write them letters or emails. You cannot call, text, message, reach out on social media, or ask friends or relatives to contact the person. Except for the conditions or exceptions mentioned earlier, no contact means absolutely no contact in any way.

If you have been charged with assault, please contact Gagan Nahal for a free consultation in Vancouver at (604) 527-4769 as soon as possible. Mr. Nahal’s law practice focuses on criminal defence law, and he has extensive experience in this area of the law.

Gagan Nahal is a criminal defence lawyer based in Surrey, British Columbia, although he has represented clients across Canada. He works vigorously and tirelessly defending his clients.

If you have any questions about this article or you would like to talk to Mr. Nahal, please call him directly at (604) 527-4769.