A restraining order is an order issued by a court that forbids one person from contacting another. They are often imposed as the result of some sort of domestic dispute: An ex-spouse, for example, will take one out against a former husband or wife who threatens physical violence. What if there are multiple ex-partners and they've all been threatened or harassed? Can you have more than one restraining order filed against you?

More Than One Restraining Order at the Same Time

The simple answer is that yes, multiple people can have restraining orders against you at the same time. Let's say, for example, that you are dropping your kids off at your ex-wife's house. You get into an argument with your ex-wife, things get out of control, and she goes to the police and files a restraining order against you. Then you go to see your girlfriend, and the two of you have a domestic dispute, as well. Your girlfriend can also file a restraining order against you. A restraining order is intended to protect the person who has requested it. If more than one person has had a dispute with you and claims to feel that you are a danger to them, then multiple people can obtain restraining orders against you at the same time.

What to Do if You Are Accused

What should you do if you are served with a restraining order? The most important thing to do if a restraining order – or multiple restraining orders – are served against you is to comply with the order. While it can be tempting to confront your ex (or whoever the person is who filed the restraining order), contacting that person in any way will only make the situation worse. In fact, if you contact that person after a restraining order is issued, there's a good chance you'll go to jail.

Don't contact the friends or family members of your ex, either. In many cases, restraining orders protect those people, as well.

Instead, you should contact an attorney immediately. The best way to defend yourself is to remain calm and let your attorney, the expert in these situations, handle things. Don't contact your ex at all, in any way, and don't post on social media about the allegations or the restraining order. Posting on social media just provides a record of evidence that can be used against you.

If there is a restraining order against you, the first thing you should do is to contact New Jersey criminal defense attorney Joseph Lento. Joseph Lento is an expert on handling restraining orders, and he can help you through the legal process they necessarily involve. Call 888-535-3686 or go online to schedule a consultation right away. The Lento Law Firm will ensure that you receive an excellent defense and, if the claims made against you are false, the opportunity to prove it.