Vermont § 1461 - Relief

Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 1461 — Relief, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1461. Relief

  • (a) If the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant has committed
    a hate-motivated crime against the complainant, or if the parties stipulate to an
    order, the court shall make such preliminary and final orders as it deems necessary
    to protect the complainant and the complainant’s property and other appropriate persons
    who are in need of protection and such persons’ property, including any of the following
    orders: (1) an order to refrain from committing any crime against the complainant; (2) an order restricting the defendant’s ability to contact the complainant; (3) an order prohibiting the defendant from coming within a fixed distance of the complainant,
    the complainant’s residence or other designated locations where the complainant is
    likely to spend time; (4) an order to refrain from committing a hate-motivated crime against the complainant,
    other appropriate persons who are in need of protection and members of any protected
    category. (b) A preliminary order issued under this chapter shall remain in effect until a final
    order is issued or for a fixed period that the court deems appropriate, but in no
    event more than 120 days without a further order from the court. A final order shall
    be issued for a fixed period, but in no event more than two years without a further
    order from the court. The court may extend any order for such time as it deems necessary
    to protect the complainant, other appropriate persons who are in need of protection
    and members of any protected category. It shall not be necessary for the court to
    find that the defendant has committed a hate-motivated crime during the pendency of
    an order to extend the terms of the order; however, the court shall find that there
    is a reasonable basis for continued protection. The court may modify its order at
    any subsequent time upon motion by either party and a showing of good cause. (c) Every preliminary or final order issued under this section shall bear the following
    language: VIOLATION OF THIS ORDER MAY BE PROSECUTED AS A CRIME PUNISHABLE BY A TERM
    OF IMPRISONMENT OR A FINE, OR BOTH, OR MAY BE PROSECUTED AS CRIMINAL CONTEMPT PUNISHABLE
    BY A TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OR A FINE, OR BOTH. (Added 1999, No. 56, § 3.) §§ 1461-1467. Repealed. 1987, No. 234 (Adj. Sess.), § 3.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 1461

What does Vermont Statutes Online § 1461 cover?

Section 1461 ("Relief") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Vermont § 1461?

A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 1461" (Vermont). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Vermont law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.

How does Vermont § 1461 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.