Conditions and protective order support. England and Wales.
Legal Aid for Restraining Orders and Harassment
If you are facing a harassment allegation, a restraining order, or an alleged breach, the consequences can be serious. Orders can restrict contact, locations, and day-to-day life. Legal Aid may apply depending on circumstances and the stage of the case. A solicitor can help you understand what applies and what to do next.
No guarantees. Legal Aid may apply depending on circumstances.
If there is a no-contact condition or alleged breach
If you have been told there is a restraining order, bail condition, or no-contact requirement, take it seriously. Do not try to “explain” things directly to the other person. Get legal advice first. Alleged breaches can be treated as urgent.
If there is a domestic context or protective order issue, see domestic abuse and protective orders.
What these cases can involve
Harassment and restraining order matters often involve allegations about contact, messages, social media, or behaviour said to cause alarm or distress. Orders and conditions can be wide-ranging, and the detail matters.
- Allegations of repeated contact or messages
- Social media contact and indirect contact concerns
- No-contact requirements and location restrictions
- Restraining orders made after criminal proceedings
- Alleged breach of an order or bail condition
- Court hearings and sentencing risk
If bail conditions are involved, you may also want to read Legal Aid for bail applications and our service page on bail, remand and post-charge support.
How Legal Aid can apply
Legal Aid may apply depending on the stage of the case and your circumstances. A solicitor will assess eligibility and explain what funding may be available. If Legal Aid does not apply, they will explain private funding options so you can decide what is sensible.
Investigation and interview stage
If the police want to interview you, do not attend without advice. Read Legal Aid for police interviews and consider our service page on criminal defence and police station advice.
Court proceedings
If the case is in court, eligibility is assessed under criminal Legal Aid rules. Many people need representation for hearings, evidence review, and risk management. See Magistrates’ and Crown Court representation.
If there is a domestic or protective order angle
Some cases overlap with protective orders and domestic issues. The right advice depends on the facts. Read domestic abuse and protective orders for related support.
What to do now
- 1) If there is a no-contact condition, follow it strictly.
- 2) Keep all paperwork: bail notice, order terms, court letters, and any messages relevant to the allegation.
- 3) Contact us for a confidential eligibility check and a next-step plan.
If you are worried about sentencing risk, see Legal Aid for sentencing and sentencing advice and mitigation.
FAQs
Can I get Legal Aid for restraining orders or harassment cases?
Legal Aid may apply depending on the type of case, the stage of proceedings, and your circumstances. A solicitor will assess eligibility and explain what funding may be available.
What is a restraining order?
A restraining order can impose restrictions, such as not contacting a person or not going to certain locations. The exact terms matter, and breaching an order can have serious consequences.
What if I am accused of breaching a restraining order?
You should get urgent legal advice. Breach allegations can be treated seriously and may lead to arrest or court action. A solicitor can advise on the safest next steps.
What counts as harassment?
Harassment allegations can involve repeated contact, messages, social media contact, or behaviour said to cause alarm or distress. The detail matters, and a solicitor can advise based on your situation.
Do you guarantee Legal Aid or outcomes?
No. Legal Aid depends on your circumstances and the nature and stage of the case. Outcomes depend on the facts, evidence, and court decisions.