Minneapolis Harassment Restraining Orders

Defending Victims of Harassment, Stalking, and Blackmail

When you or a family member suffer from repeated harassment – whether by a stranger or an ex-partner – you have the right to pursue a Harassment Restraining Order (HRO) under Minnesota law. As a type of civil court order, a Harassment Restraining Order offers legal protection from blackmail, stalking, and other actions that adversely affect your safety and privacy.

At Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A., our Minneapolis restraining order attorneys can review your case and help you determine if an HRO is the right course of action for you. Skilled in both criminal defense and civil cases, our staff can apply over a century of experience to fight for your rights – and fight for an end to the harassment.

Call (612) 444-5020 or contact us online today to get started with a free consultation in Minneapolis.

Who Is Eligible for an HRO?

When most people think about protection orders (also known as restraining orders), they assume that these can only ever apply to victims of domestic abuse and long-term interpersonal violence. While an Order for Protection (OFP) does offer stronger protections for domestic abuse victims, however, a Harassment Restraining Order is available to anyone who has endured harassment, which can be defined as repeated, intrusive, or unwanted actions from another person. These actions are outlined in greater detail in the Minnesota Statutes § 609.748.

You may be entitled to seek an HRO if you’ve experienced any of the following:

• A single sexual assault
• A single physical assault
• Non-consensual sharing of a private sexual image
• Targeted residential picketing
• Unwanted following
• Stalking
• Repeated phone calls and texts
• Blackmail and threats

Unlike with an OFP, you do not need to prove that you have an existing relationship with your harasser to petition for an HRO. However, depending on the nature of the harassment, you may need to demonstrate that there is a clear pattern behind it. While a single reported incident of sexual assault can make you eligible for an HRO, you can only file a restraining order for unwanted phone calls when you have already asked the individual to stop.

Additionally, the actions that prompt an HRO may also prompt criminal charges against the responsible party – for example, those who engage in stalking and cause their victims to fear bodily harm may also be charged with a felony and face prison time. But ultimately, a Harassment Restraining Order is a civil protection order and will need to be filed with the appropriate civil court.

Is a Harassment Restraining Order Right for Me?

Whether you are considering an HRO or looking to re-file after your Petition was dismissed, our civil litigators at Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. are here to help you decide the best path forward. By taking a closer look at your case and offering powerful legal representation in the courtroom, our Minneapolis attorneys can advocate for your rights and your safety. We know it can be stressful to Petition for an HRO on your own, which is why our team will be available 24/7 to answer your questions and act on your behalf.

Do you need to speak with a qualified lawyer? Call (612) 444-5020 right away to get in touch with our firm.