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1. What is a Criminal No Contact Order?

Iowa has a mandatory arrest law in cases of domestic violence. After the arrest, the defendant will have an initial appearance in front of a magistrate. At this time, a No Contact Order will most likely be issued. A No Contact Order states that the defendant shall have no contact of any nature, whether in person, by telephone, in writing, or otherwise with you as the protected party. It also states that the defendant shall not be on or adjacent to your residence, school, or place of employment. This order is in place throughout the criminal process. If the defendant does not obey this order, call the police immediately.

It is important that you keep a copy of your No Contact Order with you at all times. The criminal No Contact Order only applies to you. If you have children or other family that you are concerned about, you may want to consider applying for a civil 236 Protection Order. Crisis Intervention Service can assist you with this process.

2. What is a Civil Protective Order

Any victim of domestic abuse can obtain a civil protective order by going to the clerk of court and asking for the form for protective orders. You fill out the form, and give it back to the clerk. Then you go see a judge. The judge will see you ahead of regular court business, because of the emergency nature of protective orders. The temporary order granted by the judge will be in effect until a hearing on the case can take place-usually about 10 to 15 days after you first get the temporary order.
For more information click on Civil Protective Orders.

3. How Can I Lift a No Contact Order

We are here to support you in your decision, however, we want to make sure you are safe.

There are additional options besides completely lifting a No Contact Order. You can talk with a Victim Witness Coordinator or Advocate about possible modifications or changes while keeping portions of the order in place. It is important to remember that ultimately it is the court’s decision whether the order will be dismissed.

If after reviewing this information, you have additional questions please call 641-228-0015 to get in contact with an advocate.

4. Can I Drop Charges

It is impossible for you to drop the charges because you are not the one who filed charges. The charges were filed by the County Attorney's Office after reviewing all the evidence against the defendant. It is important for the defendant to realize that he must live within the laws of our society and that violent actions against you, or anyone else, have no place in our community. It is also important that the defendant gets help for his violent behavior.