How do I apply for a Protective Order

Business Hours
8:00 a.m. - 5:00.pm .  Monday through Friday

No appointment is necessary, as people are seen on a first come first serve basis.

 Who may apply for a Protective Order?
The person who committed the family violence against the victim must be either:

•  Related to the victim by blood or marriage (ex spouses also eligible
• Currently living with the victim or must  have lived with them at some time
• Someone the victim has had a child with 
• Someone the victim has had a continuing intimate dating relationship with, without regard to gender
• Someone who sexually assaulted the victim

What is the cost of a Protective Order?
There is no charge for protective Orders.

Application Process

You will be required to fill out a simple form giving us information on yourself and the person you are making the complaint against (defendant).  If you cannot fill out the form, we will do it for you.

•  An advocate (interviewer will gather all the facts and information regarding your case.  The advocate will take a sworn statement from you describing what type of violence has occurred.  They will assist with any questions you may have about the criminal justice system throughout the protective order and judicial process.
• The application and affidavit will be reviewed by a protective order attorney.
• At this time it is determined whether to send the defendant a letter, raise a bond, secure a no-contact order or request a protective order.  You will also be referred to various agencies for appropriate services. 

If it is determined to request a Protective Order, the necessary legal paperwork will be prepared.  A Protective Order hearing will be scheduled in two weeks, allowing the Sheriff's Office to hand deliver the paperwork to the defendant in time.   If the defendant is not delivered (served) the paperwork, the case will be reset again for two weeks, and again, if necessary.

If the defendant is served with the documents, you will need to go to court.  An attorney and an advocate/paralegal will go to court to represent you and answer all your questions.