What to Know About Orders of Protection in Illinois

 Posted on February 09, 2023 in Orders of Protection

Orders of Protection are court-issued directives intended to provide legal protection from acts of domestic violence or harassment. In Illinois, there are several types of orders of protection that individuals can request, including emergency, interim, and plenary orders of protection. Today, we will examine these kinds of orders of protection and what is most important to know about them.

Unfortunately, domestic violence remains all too common within our society. However, people can obtain the protection they desperately need and deserve through orders of protection. If you feel threatened by domestic violence or have already experienced an act or multiple acts of domestic violence, do not hesitate to contact an experienced family law attorney who can help walk through the steps of obtaining an order of protection so that you can move on with your life free from the threat of harm.

Who Can Request Orders of Protection?

It is essential to understand who can request an order of protection. In Illinois, a person can request an order of protection if they have been a sufferer of domestic violence or are in fear of domestic violence. Domestic violence is understood as any physical or psychological abuse, harassment, intimidation of a dependent, interference with personal liberty, or willful deprivation by a family or household member. This can include spouses, current or former partners, family members, or individuals who have lived together.

Reviewing the Three Types of Orders of Protection in Illinois

According to Illinois law, there are three primary forms of protection, including the following:

• Emergency orders of protection – These orders are intended to provide immediate protection for the sufferer of domestic violence. Once obtained, they can remain in place for up to 21 days. Please understand that while the alleged offending party does not need to be present at the time of the petition, you will need to be able to convince the judge that you are in imminent physical danger or emotional suffering.
• Interim orders of protection – These orders are designed to safeguard the petitioner between the time the respondent has received the petition and when a final hearing can be conducted.
• Plenary orders of protection – These orders are usually issued after a full hearing in which both the petitioner and respondent can present evidence. Plenary protection orders can last up to two years and be extended if necessary.

Contact a Rolling Meadows Order of Protection Attorney

No one deserves to live in fear for their physical or psychological safety. If you feel threatened, consider contacting the highly astute and compassionate Arlington Heights order of protection lawyers with Law Offices of Donald J. Cosley. Call 847-253-3100 for a free consultation.

Source: https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/women/ordersofprotection.html