Penalties

Penalties. (a) Whenever an order for protection is issued pursuant to this Chapter, and the respondent has been served with, or otherwise notified of the order, violation of the order shall constitute contempt of court, punishable by up to six months in jail, a $100 fine, or both. (b) A peace officer may arrest, without warrant, and take into custody any person whom the peace officer has probable cause to believe has violated any order issued pursuant to this Chapter, provided the existence of the order has been verified by the officer. (c) Any person filing a false petition under this Act, or otherwise using this Act in a manner that constitutes abuse of process, or for purposes other than those specifically enumerated herein shall be in contempt of court and punished by a fine not to exceed $100 or 6 months in jail, or both. Such filing will also render the petitioner liable to the respondent for damages which include, but are not limited to lost wages, attorneys fees, and other expenses that are directly related to the false filing. Source: PL 12-19, § 2 (216), modified.