What Is a Restraining Order

Law Offices of Frances Prizzia
what is a restraining order

restraining order is a legal document issued by the court to protect a person from harm or harassment. It is used when one person feels threatened by another, and the law steps in to prevent further harm. Frances Prizzia Criminal Defense Lawyers helps you understand what restraining orders are and how they work. If you are facing a restraining order or need legal advice about one, we can guide you through the process.

A restraining order can affect various aspects of your life. It can limit contact, forbid certain actions, and establish boundaries. These orders are serious and must be respected. If you are accused of violating a restraining order, it is important to seek professional help right away. Frances Prizzia Criminal Defense Lawyers are here to protect your rights and ensure a fair outcome.

Legal Definition of a Restraining Order

restraining order is a civil court order that orders one person to stop specific actions against another person. These actions can include harassment, abuse, threats, or any form of domestic violence. The court issues a restraining order to prevent further harm or harassment by legally limiting the accused person’s behavior.

restraining order can include orders to stay a certain distance away from the person who requested the order, their home, workplace, or other places they frequent. It can also prevent the accused from contacting the person by phone, email, or in person. If a restraining order is violated, there can be serious consequences, including jail time. Legal professionals can guide you through the legal process and help you respond to such an order.

What Can a Restraining Order Do?

A restraining order can provide protection in several ways. It limits contact and sets clear boundaries to prevent further harassment or abuse. In many cases, a restraining order can stop one person from coming near the other or contacting them in any way.

A restraining order can include several conditions:

  • No Contact: The person accused is forbidden from contacting the other person by phone, email, or in person.
  • Stay Away: The accused must stay a certain distance away from the other person’s home, work, or other locations.
  • Temporary Support: In some cases, a temporary support order can be issued, providing financial assistance to the person seeking protection.

If the accused person violates the restraining order, they can face serious legal consequences, including criminal charges. Frances Prizzia Criminal Defense Lawyers can help you understand your rights and responsibilities when facing such an order.

Types of Restraining Orders

Types of restraining orders

There are several types of restraining orders that can be issued based on the situation. Each type serves a specific purpose to protect individuals from harm or harassment. Understanding the differences between these orders can help you better understand your rights and the legal process.

Emergency Restraining Order

An emergency restraining order is issued quickly in situations where immediate protection is needed. It is often requested in cases of domestic violence or when there is a serious threat of harm. This type of order is typically temporary, lasting only a few days or until a more permanent solution is decided by the court. 

Emergency restraining orders are usually granted without a hearing and are based on the accuser's claims. If you are facing such an order, it’s crucial to act fast and seek legal help.

Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)

temporary restraining order (TRO) is issued by the court for a short period, typically around 15 to 20 days. This type of order is meant to provide immediate protection while the court considers the case. A TRO is often issued after an emergency order, but it requires a hearing to determine if it should be extended. 

The court will listen to both sides before deciding whether the TRO should remain in place. If you are involved in a TRO, it is important to comply with the court’s orders and seek guidance from an Orange County personal injury attorney.

Permanent Restraining Order

A permanent restraining order is issued after a court hearing where both the accuser and the accused present evidence. This order can last for months or even years. The length of the order depends on the specific situation. 

It can be issued after a TRO expires or in cases where a more permanent solution is necessary to ensure the safety of the individual seeking protection. If a permanent restraining order is issued, violating it can lead to serious consequences, including criminal charges.

Criminal Protective Order

criminal protective order is typically issued in cases where criminal charges are involved, such as domestic violence or other criminal acts. This type of order is intended to prevent the accused from contacting or approaching the victim during the criminal investigation or trial. 

A criminal protective order can be part of a broader criminal case, and violating it can result in criminal penalties, including jail time. If you are facing such an order, working with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and the potential consequences.

When Can You Get a Restraining Order?

A restraining order can be requested when you feel threatened, unsafe, or harassed by someone. If you’ve been the target of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment, this legal action can offer protection. The court will issue a restraining order to prevent further harm, and it can include various restrictions like no contact, staying away from your home or workplace, or other specific actions.

You can file for a restraining order if you’ve been subjected to threats or physical violence. The order is meant to stop further harm by legally restricting the accused person’s behavior. In cases of family violence or any form of aggression, a restraining order can help establish a boundary that keeps you safe.

If you're considering filing a restraining order, speaking with a personal injury lawyer can ensure you understand your rights and help guide you through the process.

Common Reasons for Filing

  • Domestic Violence: Filing for a restraining order is common in situations where one person is being abused by a partner, spouse, or family member. This can include physical harm, threats, or emotional abuse.
  • Harassment: If someone is repeatedly bothering you, sending unwanted messages, or showing up at your home or work, you can file a restraining order to stop this unwanted behavior.
  • Stalking: When someone is constantly following, watching, or monitoring your activities, it can create a feeling of fear and anxiety. A restraining order can be used to stop such actions.
  • Threats of Violence: If someone threatens to harm or kill you, it may be grounds for filing a restraining order. This can apply to anyone, not just people you have relationships with.
  • Violence at Work: In some cases, restraining orders are filed to protect someone from being harassed or threatened by a co-worker, supervisor, or customer at their workplace.

Who Can File for a Restraining Order?

Steps on how to get a restraining order

Anyone who feels threatened or harassed can file for a restraining order. This includes people who are being abused, stalked, or otherwise made to feel unsafe. You don’t have to be in a relationship with the person who is causing harm.

For example, accusers can file a restraining order against an ex-spouse, a co-worker, or even a neighbor if they feel threatened by that person’s behavior. People who are experiencing domestic violence, stalking, or harassment have the right to seek protection through a restraining order.

The court will review the situation and decide if the restraining order is necessary for your safety. If you are facing such an order or need one to protect yourself, speaking to a personal injury attorney can help ensure you understand the process and your rights.

Steps on How to Get a Restraining Order

If you need a restraining order, it’s important to take the right steps. Here’s how to start the process:

  1. File a Request: Go to the local courthouse or file online to request a restraining order. You’ll need to fill out the necessary paperwork, explaining why you need the order and what kind of protection you seek.
  2. Provide Evidence: You will need to provide evidence to show that you are at risk. This can include things like police reports, medical records, or witness statements.
  3. Judge Reviews the Request: A judge will review your request and evidence. If the judge finds that you need protection, they will issue a TRO until a full hearing can take place.
  4. Court Hearing: A hearing will be scheduled where both you and the person you are seeking protection from will have a chance to present your side. The judge will then decide whether to issue a permanent restraining order.
  5. Enforce the Order: Once granted, the restraining order must be followed. If the other person violates the order, contact the police immediately. Violation can lead to serious legal consequences.

What Happens If a Restraining Order Is Violated?

If a restraining order is violated, serious consequences can follow. A violation occurs when the person named in the order does not follow the restrictions set by the court. This can include things like contacting the person who requested the order, coming too close to their home or work, or engaging in threatening behavior.

When a restraining order is violated, it’s important to report the violation immediately. The police can respond to the situation, and the person violating the order can face legal consequences. In some cases, they may be arrested and charged with a crime. If the violation is serious, the person may face jail time, fines, or further legal penalties.

It is crucial to take a violation seriously and seek help from law enforcement. If you're facing allegations related to a violation, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your rights and legal options.

Reporting Violations

If a restraining order is violated, it’s essential to report it to the authorities right away. Police officers will document the violation and may arrest the person who failed to comply with the order. Reporting the violation helps protect your safety and ensures the law is enforced.

In some cases, if the violation is not reported, it may be harder to prove that the restraining order was ignored. It’s important to keep a record of any incidents and communicate them to the police. If you have evidence such as messages, phone calls, or witnesses, it can help support your case.

Violating a restraining order can lead to serious consequences, including criminal charges. Contacting police immediately will ensure the situation is handled quickly and appropriately, keeping you safe from further harm.

Legal Consequences of Violating a Restraining Order

Violating a restraining order is a serious offense and can lead to criminal charges. If the person named in the order contacts, threatens, or comes near the person who requested the order, they can be arrested and face legal consequences.

The consequences of violating a restraining order can include:

  • Arrest: The person can be taken into custody for not following the court's order.
  • Jail Time: If the violation is serious, the person may face jail time as punishment.
  • Fines: In some cases, the person who violated the order may be required to pay fines.
  • Additional Legal Penalties: Repeated violations can result in more severe penalties, including longer jail sentences or probation.

Violating a restraining order can also have long-term effects on a person's criminal record. If you are facing allegations of violating a restraining order, consulting a personal injury lawyer is essential to understanding your options and protecting your rights.

FAQs

An ex-parte order is a type of temporary order issued without the other party being present in court. It is often granted in emergency situations where immediate protection is needed. The court will issue this order quickly to prevent harm, and a hearing will follow later to determine if the order should be extended or made permanent.

If you believe your former spouse or anyone else is violating a restraining order, contact the police department immediately. They can investigate the violation and, if necessary, make an arrest. It's important to keep records of any violations, such as messages or incidents, to support your claim.

A temporary order usually lasts until a full hearing is held, typically few weeks to 21 days. During this time, the court will decide whether to issue a longer-term order based on the evidence presented. If you’re in an urgent situation, a temporary order can provide immediate protection.

Restraining orders can be filed against anyone, including family members, neighbors, or former spouses, as long as the person requesting the order can show they are at risk of harm, harassment, or abuse. The court will review the situation and determine if an order is necessary.

Such orders are used to protect individuals from harm, threats, or harassment. They can include no contact clauses, requirements to stay a certain distance away from someone, or other restrictions. If a person violates these orders, they can face serious consequences, including arrest or jail time.

Call Our Restraining Order Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Call our restraining order lawyer for a free consultation

If you’re dealing with a restraining order, it’s important to understand your rights and options. Frances Prizzia Criminal Defense Lawyers offers a free consultation to discuss your case and help you through the legal process. Whether you're trying to get a restraining order or you're facing accusations of violating one, we are here to provide the guidance you need.

A Orange County personal injury attorney at our law firm will evaluate your situation and help protect your rights. We understand the seriousness of restraining orders and the impact they can have on your life. Our team will work to ensure that you get the fair compensation you deserve, or if you're accused, that you get the best defense possible.

Don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Let us help you through this challenging time and find a path forward.

Call us about your case today at
(714) 362-0157 for a
Free Confidential Consultation.

Search Our Site
Our Newport Beach
Location
5000 Birch Street, Suite 3000
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Why Choose
Frances Prizzia Criminal Defense Lawyers

1

Client Centered Approach

Our clients are our priority, we listen & have your best interests in mind. Our philosophy is that crime is simply a symptom of a bigger issue that should be addressed.
2

Reputation by Excellence

"Top 100 Trial Lawyers" by the National Trial Lawyers and Clients' Choice by Avvo.
3

Experience

Over 19+ Years of Criminal Defense Experience on your side.
4

Innovative & Determined

We think outside the box and never leave a stone unturned.
5

You're Not Just Another Client

You're in a difficult situation that requires attention. Our boutique legal team walks you through the legal process so you don't feel lost.
6

AVAILABLE FOR YOU NOW

We are available 24/7 for emergencies & offer free confidential consultations.
fill out the form
Request Your Free
Confidential Consultation

"*" indicates required fields

Full Name*
Required Fields *
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
chevron-downarrow-leftarrow-right