1

2

An act relating to orders of no contact; amending s.

3

921.244, F.S.; requiring that offenders convicted of

4

specified violent offenses be prohibited from having any

5

contact with the victim; providing penalties; providing

6

that the penalty for violation of such an order run

7

consecutive to the sentence for the original violation;

8

providing an effective date.

9

10

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

11

12

     Section 1.  Section 921.244, Florida Statutes, is amended to

13

read:

14

     921.244  Order of no contact; penalties.--

15

     (1)  At the time of sentencing an offender convicted of a

16

violation of s. 794.011 or s. 800.04 or any offense in s.

17

775.084(1)(b)1.a.-o., the court shall order that the offender be

18

prohibited from having any contact with the victim, directly or

19

indirectly, including through a third person, for the duration of

20

the sentence imposed. The court may reconsider the order upon the

21

request of the victim if the request is made at any time after

22

the victim has attained 18 years of age. In considering the

23

request, the court shall conduct an evidentiary hearing to

24

determine whether a change of circumstances has occurred which

25

warrants a change in the court order prohibiting contact and

26

whether it is in the best interest of the victim that the court

27

order be modified or rescinded.

28

     (2)  Any offender who violates a court order issued under

29

this section commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as

30

provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

31

     (3)  The punishment imposed under this section shall run

32

consecutive to any former sentence imposed for a conviction for

33

any offense under s. 794.011 or s. 800.04 or any offense in s.

34

775.084(1)(b)1.a.-o.

35

     Section 2.  This act shall take effect October 1, 2008.