Protection Orders FAQ

  Are all Protection Orders the same?

No. Ohio has several types of Protection Orders.

• Need assistance with a Civil Stalking Protection Order, please contact the Family Justice Center at 216-443-7345.
• Need assistance with a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order, please contact the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court, Domestic Violence Department 216-443-7940 or visit https://domestic.cuyahogacounty.gov/departments/domestic-violence

  Who can get a Criminal Protection Order?

If you are not considered a household or family member according to O.R.C. 2919.25, then you may request a Protection Order if any of the following charges are filed on your behalf:

• Felonious Assault
• Aggravated Assault
• Assault
• Aggravated Menacing
• Menacing by Stalking
• Menacing
• Aggravated Trespass

If you are considered a household or family member according to O.R.C. 2919.25, then you may request a Protection Order if an offense of violence is filed on your behalf. Offense of violence include but are not limited to:

• Domestic Violence
• Felonious Assault
• Aggravated Assault
• Assault
• Menacing by Stalking
• Aggravated Menacing
• Menacing
• Aggravated Trespass
• Criminal Damaging
• Criminal Mischief
• Burglary
• Permitting child abuse
• Rape
• Sexual Battery
• Gross Sexual Imposition

  How long does the protection order last?

The criminal protection order is good as long as the related charge is pending. When a case is resolved, the order expires. If there is a conviction, at sentencing, a victim may request a No Contact Order be put in place if the defendant is given probation.

A Civil Protection Order can last up to five years. A judge will determine the length of the order at the final hearing.

  Can I get a Criminal Protection Order any time?

Protection orders are usually granted in Arraignment Court; however, they can be requested at any time during the criminal case.

  What should I do if there is a violation of the Protection Order?

The violation of a Protection Order is criminal offense.  If the defendant violates a Criminal Protection Order or a final Civil Protection Order in any way, call the police and make a report.