Different Types of Personal Protection Orders
There are three types of Personal Protection Orders (PPOs) in Michigan, a Domestic Relationship Personal Protection Order, a Non-Domestic Stalking Personal Protection Order, and a Non-Domestic Sexual Assault Personal Protection Order. All are very serious, and you should understand their implications.
Are PPO’s Civil or Criminal, and what consequences can be had?
All three types of PPO’s are civil, and not criminal. However, there can be serious consequences of a Personal Protection Order. Once a PPO is signed by a Judge, it enters into the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) and is a matter of public record. PPO’s can be used to restrain you from going certain places, communicating with certain people (including your children), and even carrying a gun.
Who can grant a PPO?
PPO’s can be granted by a Court ex parte. What this means, is that the Court may issue a Personal Protection Order without any notice to the person to be restrained. This may only be done in certain circumstances. While there are due process concerns with the restrained person’s lack of notice, there is a procedure to contest the PPO after the order is issued.
Violation of a Personal Protection Order
When a PPO can turn criminal is when a violation is alleged. You can be arrested without a warrant for an alleged PPO violation. You can be charged with criminal contempt if you are found to be in violation. Criminal contempt could carry with it fines, costs, and jail time.
Contact Hills Law if you’ve been served with a PPO
If you have been served with any type of Personal Protection Order, you should contact an attorney at Hills at Law, P.C. as soon as possible to protect yourself from any further consequences.