CIVIL no-contact order checklist

North Carolina General Statutes § 50C

Chapter 50C of the North Carolina General Statutes authorizes courts to issue “No Contact” Protective Orders,” similar to domestic violence protective orders, in situations where someone has been a victim of stalking or nonconsensual sexual conduct, committed by a person with whom the victim is not in a domestic relationship.  A victim can obtain the paperwork for a civil no-contact order at the local county Clerk of Court Office. No attorney is required to file or accompany the victim to court and there are no filing fees.
 
The following people are eligible for a no-contact order:

· A person, either adult or minor, who has been a victim of “unlawful conduct,” i.e., nonconsensual sexual conduct or stalking, committed by another person with whom they do not have a personal relationship as defined in the Domestic Violence Statutes.

What type of conduct must be alleged in the request for a no-contact order?

· Sexual Conduct, such as touching, fondling, or sexual penetration of sexual organs or breast of another, for the purposes of sexual gratification or arousal.

· Stalking: following or harassing the victim to make that victim afraid for the safety of himself, family member or personal associates and which causes that person to suffer substantial emotional distress.

Victims can request the following relief in a no-contact order: 

· Order the respondent to have no contact with, the victim in person or by telephone, in writing or electronically.
· Order the respondent to stop stalking, harassing or interfering with the victim.
· Order the respondent to refrain from entering or being present at the victim’s residence, school, employment or other places.
· Order any additional prohibitions or requirements deemed necessary to protect victim.

Temporary civil no-contact orders can be granted for up to ten (10) days if immediate injury or loss to the victim can be shown. A permanent order can be entered for up to one year and can be renewed multiple times for “good cause."  A violation of the order is punishable as contempt of court.