Legal Information: Minnesota

Restraining Orders

View all
Updated: 
October 5, 2022

Who can file a contempt of court petition to report a violation to the judge?

In addition to reporting a violation to the law enforcement, another way to report a violation is by filing a petition to hold the abuser in contempt of court in the court that issued the harassment restraining order.1 The following people can file a petition for contempt:

  • you (the harassment victim);
  • a peace officer; or
  • an “interested party” who is chosen by the judge.

The judge will then issue an order requiring the abuser to appear in court within 14 days to explain why s/he should not be held in contempt of court. The judge can also refer the violations to the appropriate prosecuting authority.2

1 MN Code § 609.748(6)(h)
2 MN Code § 609.748(6)(i)

Legal Information

WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

© 2008–2021 WomensLaw.org is a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is funded in part through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). NNEDV is a 501©(3) non-profit organization; EIN 52-1973408.