When relationships deteriorate, it can cause anxiety and fear – at work, in your community, especially in your own home. A personal protection order (PPO) can seriously interfere with your freedom to travel, work, or spend time when and where you choose. They can even keep you from seeing your children or family – all based on the allegations of someone you are at odds with.

At the Peter J. Johnson Law Office, we help victims of abuse or harassment file for and defend their personal protection orders. Also, when a PPO has been entered against you, we will help you contest the order to restore your freedom.

Personal Protection Orders Protect Victims from Harm

Personal protection orders (PPOs) are intended to shield the victims of stalking and harassment from continued abuse and possible harm or danger. The law divides PPO matters into domestic and non-domestic cases. Domestic PPOs apply to intimate relationships, like:

• Spouses
• Ex-spouses
• Co-parents with children in common
• People with a current or past dating relationship

Non-domestic PPOs apply to everyone else, including strangers, former friends, co-workers and neighbors. They can also be filed by business owners.

When you need a personal protection order issued against someone, you must be prepared to show:

• The other person has done something threatening or harmful (assault, stalking, threats, etc.)
• How that behavior has made you feel (threatened, afraid, etc.)
• How the situation has affected you (missed work, trouble sleeping, avoiding places, etc.)
• What limits you want put on the other person (entering a home or business, possessing a firearm, appearing in your presence, etc.)

If the evidence presented with a petition for a personal protection order is strong enough, your judge may grant your petition “ex parte” – or without a hearing. An ex parte PPO must be considered within 24 hours of filing your petition and takes effect immediately, though your respondent can request a hearing within 14 days after he/she has been personally served. Even if your petition is not granted immediately, you can still request a hearing where you can present testimony and evidence.

The personal protection order attorneys at the Peter J. Johnson Law Office will work to build the best possible, meet the court’s requirements for filing and service, and appear on your behalf at the hearing if necessary.

Personal Protection Order Defense Restores Respondents’ Freedoms

Ex parte orders are based on a single point of view. But they may not be based on the whole truth. If you have been served with an ex parte PPO or a petition and notice of hearing, you have the right to appear at the hearing and tell your side of the story. But you must act fast – you only have 14 days from the date of service to contest the order.

Having an experienced personal protection attorney at this hearing is essential. Judges have the ability to grant, uphold, modify, or terminate a personal protection order at these hearings. It takes creativity, and zealous advocacy to defend the claims against you and restore your rights.

At the Peter J. Johnson Law Office, we see dozens of PPO cases each year – sometimes one or two a week. We know what a PPO can do for your divorce or custody case, and how it can interfere with your everyday life. We know what it takes to defend and defeat a personal protection order. We will help you prepare for your hearing, gather your evidence, and argue your case. No matter which side of the protection order you find yourself, we can help you protect your safety and your freedom.