What happens if an injunction is violated?

An injunction is a court order, and intentional violation can lead to serious consequences. Depending on the type of injunction and the conduct involved, a violation may result in arrest, criminal prosecution, contempt-related proceedings, or other enforcement.

A protected person who believes an injunction has been violated should document the conduct and contact law enforcement when appropriate, particularly when there is an immediate safety concern. The protected person should not assume that responding to or inviting contact automatically changes the court order; only the court can modify or vacate the injunction.

The existence of an injunction also does not prevent prosecution for separate criminal conduct. For example, conduct that independently constitutes stalking, disorderly conduct, battery, or another offense may be addressed separately from the injunction violation.

A respondent who believes contact is necessary because of children, property, or another legitimate issue should seek lawful clarification or modification rather than violating the existing order.

Primary Wisconsin authorities: Wis. Stat. ch. 813 and applicable criminal statutes governing injunction violations.