Protective Orders
What is a Protective Order?
A Protective Order is a court-issued legal order that may order an abuser not to contact you, abuse you, harass you, or visit your home or workplace. It may also provide for temporary child custody or support.
Requirements:
Must meet one of these criteria:
- Married or divorced
- Live or lived together
- Have a child or unborn child together
- Related by blood or marriage
Must be a victim of physical abuse:
- Actual physical harm
- Verbal threats of physical harm
- Attempts or threats to cause physical harm
Duration: Permanent unless further action is taken by the petitioner at any time or respondent after two years.
If violated:
- Criminal Charge: Violation of a Protective Order, Class A Misdemeanor
- Repeated offenses may be 3rd degree Felony
Requirements:
- Petitioner must make a referral to DCFS
- Child must be a victim of physical or sexual abuse
Duration: Valid for up to 150 days
If violated:
- Criminal Charge: Protective Order Violation, Class A Misdemeanor
- Enhanced penalties may be imposed on subsequent offenses
Any interested adult party may file a petition for a Child Protective Order (you do not have to take or have custody of the child)
Requirements:
- Must be emancipated or over 18
- Must have dating relationship: never married/ divorced, cohabited, or otherwise related with dating partner
- Experienced or likely to experience abuse or violence from dating partner
Duration: Valid for 180 days
If violated:
- Criminal Charge: Protective Order Violation, Class B misdemeanor
Requirements:
- Experienced stalking or harassing behaviors that cause alarm or distress more than once
- Provide the court with documentation, such as:
- A list/journal of perpetrators stalking behaviors
- Notarized witness statements corroborating your list/journal
- Police reports documenting stalking activity
- Copies of letter/notes, transcripts or documentation of phone calls, letter, text, email messages, etc.
Duration: Valid for three years.
If violated:
- Criminal Charge: Stalking, Class A Misdemeanor;
- May result in 3rd degree Felony if violation occurs
Our Protective Order Services
Our trained advocates can assist with:
- Completing protective order forms
- Obtaining needed documents
- Pro-bono legal representation for PO court
- Safety planning
- Accompanying you to criminal court, law enforcement interviews, and more
- Answering questions
- Providing advocacy
To speak with an advocate or to schedule an appointment, please call 801-444-9161.