Restraining orders: witness.

Existing law requires, in all cases in which a criminal defendant has been convicted of a crime involving domestic violence, as defined, or one of specified sex offenses, the court to consider issuing an order, valid for up to 10 years, restraining the defendant from any contact with the victim. Existing law states the intent of the Legislature in enacting that provision that the duration of any restraining order issued by the court be based upon the seriousness of the facts before the court, the probability of future violations, and the safety of the victim and his or her immediate family. Under existing law, a willful and knowing violation of a protective order or stay-away court order, issued under specified conditions, including the above-described provision, constitutes contempt of court, a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or by both the imprisonment and the fine, except as specified. This bill would require the court to consider issuing an order restraining a criminal defendant who has been convicted of a crime involving domestic violence from any contact with a minor who was not a victim of, but who was physically present at the time of, an act of domestic violence. The bill would provide that the minor, under those circumstances, is a witness. The bill would make conforming changes relating to the stated intent of the Legislature. The bill would authorize a no-contact order issued for purposes of a minor witness to include, either at the time of sentencing or on subsequent application upon a showing of good cause at a noticed hearing, as specified, an order authorizing a family or juvenile court to make a subsequent order for safe and appropriate visitation with the defendant's child who is a minor witness. By expanding the scope of a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill would require an order restraining the defendant from any contact with the victim or a minor witness under the above-described provisions to have precedence in enforcement over a civil court order against the defendant, except for an emergency protective order, as specified. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.