Iowa statute
Iowa Code § 709.19 — No-contact order upon defendant’s release from jail or prison
Current through 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.)
Part of Chapter 709: Sexual Abuse, Iowa Code.
Full text of Iowa Code § 709.19
Statutory text current through the 2026 Iowa Code (enactments effective on or before 2026-01-01, through the 2025 Regular Session, 91st G.A.). This publication reproduces the statutory text of the official 2026 Iowa Code (Legislative Services Agency); it is not the official publication of the State of Iowa.
1. Upon the filing of an affidavit by a victim, or a parent or guardian on behalf of a minor who is a victim, of a crime that is a sexual offense in violation of section 709.2, 709.3, 709.4, 709.8, 709.9, 709.11, 709.12, 709.14, 709.15, or 709.16, that states that the presence of or contact with the defendant whose release from jail or prison is imminent or who has been released from jail or prison continues to pose a threat to the safety of the victim, persons residing with the victim, or members of the victim’s immediate family, the court shall enter a temporary no-contact order which shall require the defendant to have no contact with the victim, persons residing with the victim, or members of the victim’s immediate family.
2. A temporary restraining order issued under this section shall expire at such time as the court directs, not to exceed ten days from the date of issuance. The court, for good cause shown before expiration of the order, may extend the expiration date of the order for up to ten days, or for a longer period agreed to by the adverse party.
3. Upon motion of the party, the court shall issue a no-contact order which shall require the defendant to have no contact with the victim, persons residing with the victim, or members of the victim’s immediate family if the court, after a hearing, finds by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant poses a threat to the safety of the victim, persons residing with the victim, or members of the victim’s immediate family.
4. A no-contact order shall set forth the reasons for the issuance of the order, be specific in terms, and describe in reasonable detail the purpose of the order.
5. The court shall set the duration of the no-contact order for the period it determines is necessary to protect the safety of the victim, persons residing with the victim, or members of the victim’s immediate family, but the duration shall not be set for a period in excess of one year from the date of the issuance of the order. The victim, at any time within ninety days before the expiration of the order, may apply for a new no-contact order under this section.
6. Violation of a no-contact order issued under this section constitutes contempt of court and may be punished by contempt proceedings.
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This reference is informational and is not legal advice.