Protection Orders
If you are interested in completing a protection order, visit the following links to the corresponding protection orders you are seeking to file.
- Domestic Violence Protection Orders: No filing or service fee required.
- Sexual Assault Protection Orders: No filing or service fee required.
- Disorderly Conduct Restraining Orders: Filing fee is $80.00 per application and the serving fee varies based on mileage.
If you would like assistance in completing a protection order, a lawyer or a certified advocate at the Rape and Abuse Crisis center can assist you.
Civil and Criminal Orders for Protection
Civil Orders of Protection
Civil Court is the system of law concerned with private relations between members of a community. Civil Order of Protections can be self completed, although it is recommended that a certified advocate or lawyer assist with completion. Types of civil orders of protection include: Disorderly Conduct Restraining Order (DCRO) Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) and the Sexual Assault Protection Order (SAPO). These Civil Orders of Protection can last up to two years, and violations may result in an arrest.
Criminal Orders of Protection
Criminal Court is a system of laws concerned with crimes and punishment of individuals who commit those crimes. Criminal Order of Protections must be put in place by a judge dependent upon the circumstances and their discretion. They may not be put in place pending the circumstances of the case, and they are not in effect before or after court proceedings. Violations of Criminal Orders of Protection may result in an arrest. Types of Criminal Order of Protections include: No Contact Order (NCO) and Order for Protection (OFP). It should be noted the Criminal OFPs are not valid until served or until the individual is released from jail and expire upon case conclusion.