Legal Definitions - stay away order

A stay away order is a formal command issued by a court that legally prohibits one person from approaching, contacting, or communicating with another specific individual. This type of order is put in place to protect the safety and well-being of the person being protected, often due to concerns about harassment, threats, or violence.

Here are some examples of how a stay away order might be applied:

• Example 1: Domestic Dispute

  After a domestic dispute where one partner, Alex, became physically threatening towards his spouse, Brenda, a court issues a stay away order. This order mandates that Alex must not come within a certain distance (e.g., 200 feet) of Brenda, her workplace, or their children's school. It also prohibits him from calling, texting, emailing, or sending messages through third parties to Brenda.

  This example illustrates how a stay away order provides immediate legal protection to a victim of potential domestic violence by creating a legally enforced barrier, preventing the aggressor from making contact or approaching the protected individual.

• Example 2: Workplace Harassment

  Sarah, an employee, has been subjected to persistent and unwelcome advances and intimidating behavior from a colleague, Mark, at their shared office. After reporting the incidents, Sarah seeks and obtains a stay away order against Mark. The order specifies that Mark must not approach Sarah at work, attend any meetings she is present at, or attempt to communicate with her in any form, even outside of work hours.

  In this scenario, the stay away order is used to ensure a safe working environment for Sarah, demonstrating its application in preventing harassment and unwanted contact in a professional setting.

• Example 3: Witness Protection in a Criminal Case

  During a criminal trial, a key witness, Mr. Davies, reports receiving threatening phone calls and suspicious individuals loitering near his home, which he believes are connected to the defendant. To safeguard Mr. Davies and ensure the integrity of the trial, the judge issues a stay away order against the defendant and any known associates. This order forbids them from coming near Mr. Davies's residence or workplace, and from attempting any form of communication with him.

  This example highlights the use of a stay away order to protect witnesses from intimidation or harm, ensuring they can provide testimony without fear and that justice can proceed unimpeded.