A mandatory no-contact order is a court order issued at arraignment in virtually all Rhode Island domestic violence cases as a condition of bail. It prohibits the defendant from contacting the alleged victim by any means — in person, by phone, text, email, social media, or through a third party. It may also require the defendant to vacate a shared residence immediately, even if they own or lease the property. Violating a no-contact order is a separate criminal offense. Only the court can modify or lift the order.
