Restraining and Protection Orders Attorney in Columbus, Ohio

Disclaimer: Any person in a dangerous emergency requiring immediate intervention should call 911 for assistance.

Under Ohio law, a civil or criminal protection order is designed to direct a person to do or not do certain things deemed dangerous by the court. The judge signs a document outlining the terms someone must follow or understand that there will be legal repercussions. The Order is effective once it is served on the Respondent.

When it comes to domestic violence issues, it’s not uncommon for both family law and criminal cases to simultaneously cover the same violent act. As a victim, it is your right to pursue both types of actions for maximum protection against your abuser.

A professional civil harassment attorney can help you navigate Ohio laws surrounding restraining and protection orders. These types of situations are emotionally charged and personal. At the Law Offices of Kenneth R. Kline, we are sensitive to the emotional toll restraining orders have on everyone involved and will do our best to be a mentor through every step of the legal process. We work alongside you to find a positive resolution that keeps you safe and provides you with peace of mind.

There are four different kinds of protection orders available in Ohio. Municipal (Criminal) court may issue a Domestic Violence Temporary Protection Order (DVTPO) or a Criminal Protection Order (CRPO) depending on the type of charge and your relationship to the defendant. Civil (Domestic) Court issues Civil Protection Orders (CPO) if you are a family or household member of the defendant. If you are being stalked, Common Pleas Court may issue a Civil Stalking or Sexually Orientated Offense Protection Order (SSOOPO).

In Ohio, a civil protection order (CPO) is issued by a domestic relations court in-domestic cases where any violence, trespassing, or menacing charges have been filed. A judge reserves the right to issue a CPO on an emergency basis if a victim is considered to be in immediate danger. This order is designed to limit the actions of the aggressor through:

• Proximity
• A change of residence
• Spousal support
• Temporary change of custody
• And more

Violating the protection order outlined by the courts is a separate criminal offense and is considered a 1st-degree misdemeanor in Ohio which is punishable by up to 6 months in jail or fines up to $1,000. Specific situations could elevate the severity of punishment.

A Domestic Violence Temporary Protection Order (DVTPO) offers more limited relief and only remains in effect for a short period of time. A DVTPO is typically ordered by the court in direct connection with a criminal domestic violence case. The goal is to prevent an abuser from not committing any further acts of abuse or violence.

Domestic Violence Temporary Protection Orders do not extend to include:

• Child support
• Spousal support
• Personal property reallocation
• Visitation
• Directing an abuser to seek counseling

Violating the protection order could result in jail time or being charged with a separate crime, including aggravated stalking.

A civil stalking protection order (SSOOPO) is issued by the General Division of Common Pleas Court specifically to protect victims of stalking. A SSOOPO orders someone who has been engaging in stalking behavior to end that behavior.

As a family law practice, we have more than 20 years of experience navigating the complexities of civil harassment and restraining orders. Our goal is to keep you and your family safe, comfortable, and moving toward a positive resolution. When it comes to something as important as your safety, we understand that building trust with your attorney is imperative.

Attorney Kline and his team are responsive and accessible to our clients to ensure they are comfortable and can depend on us through every step of the restraining order process. We take great pride in our vast knowledge of Ohio laws, and we are committed to making these laws accessible and easy to understand. As a family law practice, it is our mission to advocate for our clients and focus on the best interests of everyone involved.

Make Your Safety a Priority by Contacting Our Columbus, Ohio Restraining and Protection Orders Attorney

Conveniently located in Columbus, Ohio, The Law Offices of Kenneth R. Kline proudly serves families in and around Delaware, Ohio, Grove City, Reynoldsburg, Westerville, Upper Arlington, and Franklin County. Lean on us as a trusted resource during every step of drafting a restraining order. Schedule your risk-free consultation to learn more about your rights in Ohio.