Understanding DC Protective Orders

Protective orders are legal mandates requiring that two people stay away from each other for their own safety. Protective orders are commonly issued in situations surrounding domestic disputes, but they could be related a variety of relationships or circumstances, including employment disputes, business relationships, or stalking.

Understanding DC protective orders could be an important aspect of successfully navigating family or criminal litigation. Speaking to a knowledgeable attorney could be essential for anyone looking to comprehend these orders and how they might impact their life.

Types of Protective Orders

There are two types of protective orders in DC: a temporary protection order and a civil protection order. When someone is seeking a civil protection order, they first obtain a temporary protection order. The temporary order acts as a placeholder until a full civil protection order hearing can be held.

A civil protection order is a court order issued by a judge that may be put in place for up to one year. When someone requests a civil protection order, they may or may not hire counsel. Filing a civil protection order takes time, as the relevant documents must be served to the respondent and a hearing must take place. The temporary protection order covers that period and allows protective measures to be in place while the civil protection order is being litigated.

Defining Terms

The petitioner is the person who wants to have a protective order issued. The respondent is the individual that the protective order is being issued against. In a civil protection order hearing, an allegation is made by the petitioner that the respondent did something that warrants a protective order.

What Constitutes a Continuous Threat of Harm?

In the context of a temporary protection order, the court reviews a written affidavit executed by a petitioner or takes testimony from a petitioner and makes a decision as to whether or not there is a continuous threat of harm. The standard of proof in a civil protection order case is a preponderance of the evidence, which is a lower standard than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard applicable to criminal cases.

Evidence, such as threatening phone calls and text messages, can be helpful but are not necessarily required for a protective order to be issued. Often, just the petitoner’s testimony is sufficient for a protective order to be issued.

It is important to understand that no crime needs to be alleged to obtain a protective order. Allegations of a crime may such as assault or domestic violence may be used to warrant a protective order, but it is not absolutely necessary.

How an Attorney Could Help Handle DC Protective Orders

If you have been listed as a respondent in a protective order, you may require legal assistance. A protective order could limit your ability to move about freely, spend time with family, and otherwise live your life unencumbered. In addition, various conditions may apply to a protective order, violations of which could lead to further restrictions or even jail.

A lawyer could help with understanding DC protective orders to ensure that you do not unwittingly cause further harm to your case. If you are a named respondent, contact an experienced attorney today.