How To Fight an IL Protective Order for Domestic Violence

It can be a surprise for many people when they are made aware they have an order of protection, sometimes called a restraining order, against them.

In many cases involving domestic violence, orders of protection are issued by the judge without the defendant being present. This means that you may have no idea that an order of protection exists against you until you are served with it.

What can you do to fight an Illinois protective order in your domestic violence case? Read on to find out.

What Is an Order of Protection?

Orders of protection are court orders that restrict the contact someone accused of domestic violence can have with a victim. It is only available for those people who are household or family members in cases where domestic violence has been alleged.

An order of protection will prevent the person named from contacting the victim or from sharing a residence with them. The accused must stay a certain distance from those named in the order, which can sometimes even be their own children.

If an order of protection is violated, then that is a crime itself. It can land the named person in jail, facing charges for yet another violation.

Different Types of Orders of Protection

There are several types of orders of protection in Illinois, each with varying lengths and conditions.

Emergency Order of Protection

These are issued at the request of someone who claims that you are a threat to them. It is issued on the day requested. You will not be notified of this type of emergency order, even though it may last up to 21 days.

Interim Order of Protection

After the first court appearance for the matter or after the date of that hearing, respondents can receive an interim order of protection. This type of order can last as many as 30 days and is often issued after an emergency order.

Plenary Order of Protection

This type of order of protection can last for up to two years. After reviewing the facts of a case, a judge can issue this type of order.

What Should You Do?

If you are served with an order of protection, it’s very important to follow the terms laid out in it and to contact an attorney. Any action taken against those named in the order can damage the case against them and lead to further criminal charges.

While an order of protection is in effect, any child support payments must still be made, as well as any fines and spousal support that have been ordered by the court. Temporary custody can be ordered by the court if you fail to follow an order, which can have an impact on any parental responsibility agreement that is in place.

An order of protection hearing will take place, in which you can plead your case and present evidence to the court. At the hearing, the judge will take into account all the evidence presented and decide whether an order of protection should be extended, as well as any temporary support payments.

After a judgment is made, it’s not easy to change an order of protection. That’s why it’s vital that you have the best case laid out for the judge at that time. This will give you the best shot at resolving the situation in your favor.

About the Author: Andrew M. Weisberg is a former felony prosecutor who now serves as a defense attorney in the greater Chicago area. He has extensive experience in handling all types of criminal cases, from sex offenses and domestic violence to retail theft-related crimes, murder, and drug crimes. His work has been recognized by Avvo, Expertise, National Trial Lawyers, and others, and he has been featured on countless news outlets for his experience and knowledge in criminal law.