Q: In Florida, is an inmate using a 4th party to contact me (victim w/order of protection in place) violating that order?
They had another inmate contact someone outside of jail & gave them my cell & work phone numbers as well as my address of where I work/live to contact me to pick up their things for them while they were incarcerated. This person didn't know me or the defendant. That 4th party, called both numbers & left voicemails & sent 4 text messages harassing me about it. What would that be considered?
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A:
In Florida, if there is an order of protection in place, any attempt by the inmate to contact you, directly or indirectly, could be considered a violation of that order. Using a third party to communicate, especially if it involves harassment or intimidation, is typically seen as an indirect method of contact and can still constitute a violation.
The actions you described, where another person contacted you on behalf of the inmate and harassed you, should be reported to law enforcement. These actions may be considered not only a violation of the order of protection but also separate instances of harassment.
It's crucial to document all the communications you received from this third party, including voicemails and text messages. This evidence can support your report to the police and may be used in any legal proceedings.
You should also inform the court that issued the order of protection about this violation. They can take additional actions, which might include modifying the order or taking further legal action against the inmate.
Given the seriousness of this situation, consider consulting with an attorney who can provide guidance specific to your circumstances and help protect your rights and safety. Remember, orders of protection are in place to ensure your safety, and violations of these orders are taken seriously by the legal system.
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