Facing a domestic violence charge can impact many parts of your daily life, including your ability to travel. Whether the travel is for work, a family event, or a personal trip, the court’s rules and the specific facts of your case will determine if you are allowed to leave town or the state.
Many people believe that they can move freely unless they are in jail or under house arrest, but that is not always true. In many domestic violence cases, the court may put restrictions in place as soon as charges are filed. These limits are often tied to your bond, release conditions, or no contact orders.
Travel Limits After An Arrest
After a domestic violence arrest, a court will often release the person on bond with specific conditions. One of the most common conditions is that the person cannot leave the state without permission. This does not mean you are under arrest, but it does mean your movements are being watched.
If you leave the state without the court’s approval, it could be seen as a violation of your release. This can lead to a warrant for your arrest, a bond revocation, or more serious penalties down the road. Even leaving for a short trip or an emergency could create a legal issue if the court is not made aware beforehand.
No Contact Orders Can Affect Travel
In many domestic violence cases, the judge may also issue a no contact order between the person accused and the alleged victim. If the person you are told not to contact lives in another city or state, that alone could create restrictions on your travel.
Traveling to a place where the protected person lives or works can be seen as a violation, even if you had no intention of running into them. That is why it is important to know the full terms of any order that has been issued in your case before making any travel plans.
How To Request Permission To Travel
If you need to travel while charges are pending, it may be possible to ask the court for permission. Your attorney can file a request that explains where you want to go, why the travel is needed, and how long you will be gone. Judges often consider whether the travel is reasonable and whether you have followed all other conditions of release.
You may also be required to provide contact information, a travel itinerary, or proof that your plans do not involve contact with the alleged victim. The more details you give, the more likely the court is to approve your request.
Legal Guidance Can Help Avoid Mistakes
Attorneys like those at Stechschulte Nell can attest that travel issues are one of the most common concerns for people facing domestic violence charges. A domestic violence defense lawyer can review your case, explain your current restrictions, and help you make a formal request if travel is important.
If you travel without permission or without knowing the limits of your release, the consequences can be serious. Even if the charge is still pending and no conviction has happened, courts expect full compliance with all rules.
Take Action Before You Travel
If you are facing a domestic violence charge and need to leave your city or state, speak to your lawyer before making any plans. Getting permission up front is always better than trying to explain the trip after the fact.
Travel may still be possible while your case is pending, but it has to be handled carefully. With the right steps, you may be able to take the trip you need without putting your legal case at risk.