DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORDER OF PROTECTION AND CIVIL RESTRAINING ORDER

What is the difference between an Order of Protection and Civil Restraining Order?

Orders of protection:

• Requires a qualifying relationship between the parties
• There is no cost to the petitioner for the assistance of an advocate (non- lawyer), filing fees, service fees, publication costs, and/or copies
• While a petitioner is entitled to retain an attorney for these hearings, most often they proceed without an attorney, using the free services of a family shelter advocate.
• The law allows for many remedies which are enforced by the police and can result in an arrest and possible jail time if violated.

 Civil Restraining Orders:

• Do not require a specific relationship between the parties
• The parties may be required to pay the costs required for these type of cases
• You can proceed without a lawyer but most often a lawyer is involved
• Civil Restraining Orders are only enforced by the Court
• Police do not enforce the orders nor do they arrest for alleged violations

Contact Russo Law offices today for a criminal defense attorney in Wheaton.