Violation of an RPO is what level crime?

• A. 1st degree misdemeanor.
• B. 2nd degree misdemeanor.
• C. 3rd degree felony.
• D. Civil infraction.

Answer: (C)

Violating a restraining/protective order is treated as a crime because it directly disobeys a court order designed to protect a person from harm. The law elevates such violations to a felony to reflect the serious risk to the protected individual and to deter breaches of court protection. The third-degree felony designation means this offense is more serious than a misdemeanor or a civil infraction, carrying the possibility of substantial prison time and higher fines. Civil infractions are non-criminal penalties, while a misdemeanor would be less severe; the statute here sets the baseline at a third-degree felony, with potential enhancements for aggravating factors like prior violations or involvement of threats or violence.