Walk It Through: The Protective Order Petition
A petition the morning after, an order without the other side there, a hearing, and a text that breaks it.
After an assault by a partner who has since moved out, the victim goes to court to ask for protection.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A domestic violence order against a former partner. Stalking orders between strangers, orders for a minor, and custody terms in the order are left out.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Class A misdemeanorThe more serious misdemeanor class, with up to one year in jail and a fine up to $25,000.
- Ex parte protective orderA protective order granted on the victim's petition without the respondent present, lasting 20 days.
- Household memberIncludes current and former spouses, and adults or minors who live or have lived together, the relationships that make a crime one involving domestic violence.