Restraining Order, GA: A Comprehensive Guide

How Does Restraining Order Work?

The court order forces the abuser to:

• Stop the harmful or offensive behavior against the protected person

• Have no contact with the protected person

• Stay away from the house or workplace of the protected person

• Surrender all firearms

The court can award temporary child support for the protected persons’ minor children.

Violating a restraining order is a criminal offense that can lead to harsh penalties. If you are charged with a restraining order violation, hire a Gwinnett County DUI Lawyer immediately to help with your case.

Types of Restraining Orders in Georgia

Under Georgia law, there are three types of protective orders:

• Family violence protective orders
• Stalking temporary protective orders
• Employer protective orders

Family Violence Protective Orders

Family violence protective orders are issued in situations where the protected person is a household or family member of the restrained. Family or household violence occurs when a member or members of the household, as well as a current or former intimate partner, commits one or more of these acts:

• Assault and battery
• Stalking and harassment
• Criminal damage to the property of the protected person
• Criminal trespassing

Steps of Getting a Family Violence Protective Order

1. Petition for domestic violence protective order

A TPO is obtained by submitting a petition to the Superior Court in the county where the accused abuser resides. It can be filed by the victim or someone acting on their behalf. It must contain the specific acts of abuse that have been perpetrated.

2. Temporary ex parte order.

When the court is confident domestic violence has taken place in the past and will continue in the future, it can issue a temporary ex parte protective order to protect the victim from further violence by requiring the defendant to stay away from the victim and refrain from committing further acts of family violence.

Protected persons are protected from aggressors until the court hearing is concluded. An ex parte order can be issued by a court without a hearing and without an aggressor’s knowledge.

3. Hearing for a permanent restraining order

Upon issuing the TPO, the Court will schedule a hearing that both parties must attend within 30 days. It is mandatory for the respondent to attend the final hearing. During the court proceedings, the abused and the abuser can both present their sides of the story and submit evidence like pictures of bruises, wounds, and scratches, doctor’s reports, audio recordings, and damaged property. An applicant who successfully proves family violence may be granted a protective order for three years or be granted a permanent order, if the Court deems it necessary. Insufficient evidence may lead to the judge dismissing the petition.

Stalking Protective Orders

Stalking refers to following, surveilling, and contacting the victim without their permission or for the purpose of harassing or intimidating them.

A stalking protective order prohibits the respondent from stalking, harassing, or interfering with the victim’s immediate family members. It also orders the respondent to stay a certain distance from you and have no direct or indirect contact with you or your immediate family.

Employer Protective Orders

Employers may file for an employer protective order to protect an employee. They must prove that the respondent has threatened or risked their employee’s life at the workplace. If the judge grants the order, the temporary protective order will protect you from any future threat at your workplace.

Consult with a domestic violence attorney to determine the kind of evidence you need for your protective order petition.

File Restraining Order Online

You can get a Georgia family violence ex parte protective form online. If you are afraid of going out because of the threats from the aggressor, you can complete the form on your phone. The template and fill features make filing for a restraining order easy and convenient.

Make sure you read the instructions carefully and provide all the information requested. If you need help completing the form, you can seek legal advice. When you have filled out all the necessary information, save and submit the form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Protective Orders and Restraining Orders?

Generally speaking, Georgia distinguishes between restraining orders and protective orders. Family members, children, roommates, or romantic partners can be covered by protective orders, which last longer than restraining orders. The victim can also renew them if he or she still feels threatened.

If you are facing accusations of domestic violence or need support filing for a protective order, you will benefit greatly from the assistance of a skilled attorney. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Who Delivers a Restraining Order?

Once you get a temporary or final protective order, the judge orders the local sheriff’s department to serve or deliver the ex parte protective order to the respondent.

Check with the clerk’s office to establish whether you should take your protective order to the sheriff or if the court will deliver them to the sheriff’s department.

What Are the Grounds for a Restraining Order in Georgia?

When filing for protective orders, you or your loved ones need to prove that you are facing: harassment, stalking, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or financial abuse.

How Much Does a Restraining Order Cost in Georgia?

In Georgia, it is free to file a protective order. Hire an experienced attorney to guide you on the necessary steps you should follow.

What Is a Stay-Away Order in Georgia?

A stay-away order requires the respondent to remain at least 300 yards away from the victim. It forbids the respondent from living in the same house as the victim.