How long is an Order of Protection in effect? Once an order has been served, it will be valid and enforceable for 2 years from the date it was served. If it is not served, it will expire 1 year from the date the judge issued it.
Key Differences A Harassment Order addresses unwanted behavior that may not necessarily involve physical harm but still causes significant distress to the victim. In contrast, a Restraining Order is typically sought in cases involving a history of violence, physical threat, or other forms of serious harm.
A significant change in circumstances, such as improved behavior, completion of anger management or counseling programs, or evidence that the risk of violence has diminished, may provide grounds for seeking the dismissal of a restraining order.
In most cases, you must have evidence to convince the judge that the person seeking a restraining order is in danger of harm. The danger or harm can include domestic violence, threats, criminal trespass, stalking, and harassment. An adult can file for a restraining order when they believe their safety is in danger.
The judge is supposed to issue an order of protection if there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant may commit an act of domestic violence or that s/he committed an act of domestic violence within the past year or within a longer period of time if there is “good cause” for the judge to consider a longer ...
The specific elements you need to prove to get a restraining order vary from state to state, but in general, you need to show: A specific instance or instances of abuse or harassment (such as sexual assault by an intimate partner) The threat of violence or of further abusive behavior or harassment.
If the judge decides that there was abuse and that there is also a credible threat to the plaintiff's safety, a final order of protection will be granted and will last for up to one year.
Stick to the facts, and provide concrete reasons why the order should be modified or terminated. For example, if you and the other party have a child together, you could state that you need the no-contact order dropped so you can communicate regarding the child's needs and arrange for visitation.
The burden of proof is on the protected party to prove to the court by a preponderance of the evidence that there is a reasonable apprehension of future abuse.