Is arrest mandatory if TRO or injunction is violated?

• A. Yes, it is
• B. No
• C. Only with a court order
• D. Only if there is injury

Answer: (A)

Violations of a protective order are treated as a close-enough basis for arrest to protect the person targeted by the order. When there is probable cause that a temporary restraining order or injunction has been disobeyed, officers are expected to act by arresting the violator. The order itself is the authorization for enforcement, so you don’t need a new court order for the arrest, and you don’t need an injury to justify taking someone into custody. The aim is immediate protection and to deter further violations, not to require additional proof beyond a legitimate violation of the order.