[AR] How can you get a no-contact order against a neighbor?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand that seeking a no contact order can be a challenging situation. Can you please share the reason why you need this order?

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you already had any legal proceedings or interactions with law enforcement regarding this matter?

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Criminal Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your no contact order.

Benjamin

Hey there! Welcome to our service. I'm Benjamin, an attorney with many years of experience. I understand you're dealing with a situation involving your neighbor who won't leave you and your fiancé alone, and you've already involved the police. What are the allegations you have against this person? What city/state are you in? Could you share more about any specific concerns or questions you have regarding this situation?

Benjamin

1. A "no-contact order" usually comes from a criminal case. A criminal no-contact order is usually issued by a judge after someone is arrested or charged, often as a bond condition. You generally cannot file a standalone "no-contact order" petition the same way you file for an order of protection. If the neighbor has threatened, stalked, assaulted, trespassed, or harassed you, you should keep reporting each incident and ask the police/prosecutor whether charges can be filed and whether a no-contact condition can be requested. Criminal no-contact orders are tied to criminal proceedings. For example, Arkansas's harassment statute (AR Code § 5-71-208), harassing communications statute (AR Code § 5-71-209), and stalking statute (AR Code § 5-71-229) each require the judge to enter a written no-contact order when the defendant is released before trial.
2. Arkansas Order of Protection. In Arkansas, an Order of Protection is filed through the Circuit Clerk's Office under the Domestic Abuse Act (AR Code § 9-15-201). There is no filing fee (AR Code § 9-15-202), and the circuit clerk's office must have the necessary forms. However, an Arkansas Order of Protection is usually for domestic abuse, meaning the respondent is a spouse, former spouse, family/household member, someone you live/lived with, or someone you dated. A neighbor/co-worker may not qualify unless there is some qualifying relationship or conduct that fits the statute.
3. Practical steps to take now.
   • Step 1. Document everything. Write down:
     • Dates, times, and locations of each incident
     • What he said or did
     • Whether your fiancé witnessed it
     • Police report numbers
     • Texts, calls, voicemails, photos, video, doorbell footage, workplace incidents
     • Whether he follows you, waits outside, threatens you, blocks you, or comes to your door
     • This matters because courts generally need more than "he bothers us." They need specific facts showing harassment, threats, stalking, trespass, or danger.
   • Step 2: Go to the Boone County Circuit Clerk. For Harrison, you would generally start at the Boone County Circuit Clerk's Office and ask for forms for an Order of Protection or ask whether your facts fit another civil protective remedy.
     • Say something like: "I need to ask about filing for protection because my neighbor/co-worker is harassing me and my fiancé, police have been called, and I want the court to order no contact."
     • The Arkansas Judiciary also lists court forms and order-of-protection resources online.
   • Step 3: Ask police/prosecutor about criminal options. Because this is a neighbor and co-worker, the better route may be criminal enforcement if there is:
     • Stalking
     • Harassment
     • Terroristic threatening
     • Trespass
     • Assault
     • Repeated unwanted contact after being told to stop
     • Workplace threats or intimidation
     • Ask the officer or the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney's Office whether a report can be submitted for review and whether a judge can issue a criminal no-contact order.
   • Step 4: Give written notice to stop contact. If safe, send one clear message, preferably written: "Do not contact me or my fiancé again. Do not come to my apartment, do not approach us at work except for strictly work-required communication, and do not contact us through anyone else." After that, do not argue back. Save every further contact.
   • Step 5: Involve your employer. Because you work with him, tell HR or your supervisor in writing. Ask for:
     • No one-on-one assignments with him
     • Separate schedules or work areas if possible
     • Instructions that he not contact you except for necessary work matters
     • A written incident log
     • Workplace security involvement if he shows up or escalates

Bottom Line: For a neighbor/co-worker, the strongest path is usually:

• Keep making police reports for each incident;
• Ask the prosecutor about criminal charges and a criminal no-contact order;
• Go to the Boone County Circuit Clerk to see whether you qualify for an Order of Protection; and
• Document everything and involve your employer.

If there has been any threat, stalking, physical intimidation, attempted entry, or fear he may hurt you, call 911 immediately and specifically say you are afraid for your safety.

Benjamin

Did that solve your issue? Please let me know if you have any further questions. I believe I have addressed your inquiry, so I will mark it as complete. Thank you and have a wonderful day!