Will I go to jail for breaching a DVO?

Contravening a Domestic Violence Order is a very serious criminal offence under Queensland law.

Whether you go to jail depends heavily on the nature of the breach and your criminal history.

• First-time technical breach: (e.g., sending an unwanted email asking about the dog) will typically result in a fine or a community-based order.
• Violent breach: If the breach involved physical violence, threats, or stalking, the court views it as an escalation.
• Repeat breach: If you have been convicted of breaching a DVO within the last 5 years, the maximum penalty increases significantly from 3 years to 5 years imprisonment. Magistrates are extremely likely to impose actual jail time for repeat contraventions to protect the victim.

If you are charged with a breach, secure experienced criminal defence immediately to build your mitigation strategy.