RESOURCES & LEGAL PROTECTION

What is an order of protection?

• A legal order signed by a judge ordering the abusive party to stay away from you
• Usually includes orders to refrain from abusing, threatening, molesting, or disturbing your peace
• Stops all legal communication from your abuser

After Filing the Order of Protection

• The judge looks over your filing
• Either an Exparte or a Notice of Hearing will be granted
  • An exparte is a temporary Order of Protection lasting until your court date
  • A Notice of Hearing means the judge sets a court date to hear more evidence before granting the Order of Protection
• If given an Exparte, keep your copy with you at all times!
  • You must return to court on the date of your hearing, or the Order of Protection will be terminated.
  • You must report every violation of the Order of Protection to the police.

Full Order of Protection Hearing

• The Respondent must be served 72 hours before the court date
• If Respondent doesn't make the court date, the judge may grant you the Full Order of Protection.
• If Respondent has an attorney, it is best that you ask for another court date so you can seek your own legal representation.

An advocate from CADV/VOC is available to further discuss what may happen and to go along with you to court for the Full Order of Protection Hearing.