An Indiana man has been arrested and held on 100 charges for violating a no-contact order. Akeenan Hunt, 34, was already in jail awaiting trial on charges of kidnapping, domestic battery, and rape when he attempted to contact his accuser, a violation of his no-contact order. According to the prosecutor, Hunt did more than merely violate the order. He repeatedly harassed his accuser and tried to get her to lie in court.  

Have you been charged with violating a no-contact order? Many prosecutors and judges view violating no-contact orders as an implicit threat of violence. Accordingly, they often seek to have accused violators jailed for the duration of the time left on the original order. This is in addition to filing new charges. In other words, it's a serious situation that could cost you your freedom. 

No matter the circumstances or allegations, you have the right to an attorney, and the quality of your legal representation is your best defense against losing your freedom. Call the experienced, dedicated Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today. 

No-Contact Orders Are Being Violated More Frequently 

Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton, who filed the 100 additional charges against Mr. Hunt, says this is the most charges he has ever filed against a single person in one case. The sheer number of charges, detailed in over 30 pages of court documents, underscores how seriously Eaton takes no-contact orders and his concern that they are being violated more frequently. 

In speaking on the case, Eaton said, “In the last couple of years, we've begun to see more things that are similar to this where people who may be incarcerated, even though they're incarcerated, still may attempt to reach out to people that are victims of crime to continue to make their lives uncomfortable.” 

Eaton also noted that many no-contact orders are connected to domestic violence cases, which adds an extra element of urgency to protecting the victim. “We want to do what we can for victims to feel safe,” Eaton added, “And if somebody, even if they're incarcerated, is going to do things that went afoul of what we believe the law to be, then we will do our best to hold them accountable.” 

What To Do if You Are Subject to a No-Contact Order 

You must respect all the conditions of a no-contact order if one is granted against you. Even if you disagree with the decision by the judge or law enforcement agency to grant the order, violating it in any way could lead to your incarceration.  

Violating a no-contact order also gives prosecutors an opening to file additional charges that could leave you facing a lengthy prison sentence. It's not worth it. Do not violate a no-contact order. 

What To Do if You Are Charged With Violating a No-Contact Order 

The penalties for crimes like domestic violence or violating a no-contact order can be severe. If you're charged with either offense, or both offenses simultaneously, you must take it seriously. Call the Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or contact us online immediately. We will vigorously defend your right to both due process and the presumption of innocence. 

Regardless of the circumstances in your case, our Criminal Defense Team will guide you through the legal process with professionalism and understanding. We are passionate about advocating for our clients and the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team will leverage all their skill and experience to reach the best resolution possible to your case.