What is a Protection Order?

A Protection Order is a Court issues order which directions an individual to have no contact or restricted contact with another individual. Protection Orders can also restrict the individual from being present at a particular location.  There are three types of Protection Orders: Harassment Protection Orders, Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, and Sexual Assault Protection Orders. Each have different requirements for issuance and are granted upon a judge's acceptance of the merits of the petitioner's application.  Unlike a no-contact order, a violation of a Court issued Protection Order can result in the filing of separate criminal charges for violation of the order.

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1. I was assaulted last night by my spouse/significant other/boyfriend/parent of my child, and the police arrested the person and took him/her to jail. What happens next?
2. How can I get the charges dropped?
3. Will anyone from your office tell me what is happening?
4. When does my abuser go to court?
5. What does a no-contact bond mean?
6. What is the purpose of the no-contact bond?
7. What if my abuser contacts me while out of jail on a no-contact bond?
8. What can happen if my abuser violates his no-contact bond?
9. If I have questions about my case, who can I talk to?
10. What is a Protection Order?
11. How do I obtain a Protection Order?
12. I heard my abuser pled “not guilty” and that the case is now set for trial. What happens next?
13. I don't want to see my abuser again. Is there any way to avoid seeing him/her on the date of the trial?
14. I'm afraid that after I testify my abuser might follow me to my car. What can be done?
15. What if my abuser pleads guilty or, after a trial, is found guilty by a judge or jury?
16. What is a presentence investigation? Can I talk to the judge myself?
17. What can I do to assist in the prosecution of my abuser’s case?
18. Do I have to testify? Can’t you just use my statement to the police?
19. How can I protect myself during and/or after the case?
20. What happens if my address or phone number changes?
21. Can you keep my address and/or phone number confidential?