Personal Protection Orders (PPO’s)

What is a Personal Protection Order?

Many people also refer to Personal Protection Orders as “restraining orders.” PPOs are court orders signed by a judge which prevent contact with a protected person.

In Michigan, there are three types of PPOs:

• Domestic relationship PPOs
• Nondomestic stalking PPOs
• Nondomestic sexual assault PPOs

The domestic PPOs involve situations where the Petitioner (person seeking the PPO) and Respondent (person against whom the PPO is sought) have a current or past relationship including, but not limited to, marriage, dating, or having a child in common. The other PPOs involve all other types of relationships.

HOW DID SOMEONE GET A PPO AGAINST ME?

To obtain a PPO, a Petitioner has to demonstrate a need for protection to the Court. This can be done either orally or in writing. A Petitioner typically shows a need for protection by laying out behavior allegedly carried out by a Respondent that is intimidating, threatening or harassing. 

PPOs may be obtained either “ex parte” (which is without the Respondent present and without a hearing) or by a hearing. A Judge may deny an ex parte request for a PPO and request that testimony be given at a hearing. In those situations, the Respondent receives notice and may contest the PPO. 

PPOs can be issued for 6 months or one year, depending on the severity of the allegations. A petitioner may also seek to extend a Personal Protection Order prior to its expiration date.

HAVING A PPO AGAINST YOU CAN SERIOUSLY DAMAGE YOUR LIVELIHOOD

Oftentimes, people believe that having a PPO against them is not a big deal because they don’t plan to have contact with the petitioner anyways. Whether that is the case or not, PPOs can have very damaging consequences.

A PPO is entered into the Law Enforcement Information Network (“LEIN”). This means it is on your record. Potential employers, licensing agencies, and other individuals / organizations may have access to seeing the PPO on your record.

If the petitioner in your PPO alleges a violation of the order, you can face jail time or fines and costs. An alleged PPO violation will oftentimes result in a respondent being taken to jail. Violations of a PPO can also lead to more serious consequences, such as misdemeanor Stalking or felony Aggravated Stalking charges.

They may have an effect on your job, your reputation, and your constitutional rights. As a result, it is very important that you hire an experienced attorney to defend you against a PPO. If you have been served with a Personal Protection Order and need to defend yourself, call us immediately – you only have a limited time to try to terminate the Personal Protection Order and protect your rights.

DEFENDING AGAINST A PERSONAL PROTECTION ORDER

PPOs can be very damaging to Respondents.

As attorneys specializing in Personal Protection Orders, we have extensive experience in litigating against the issuance / continuance of PPOs. We know the danger you are up against and we will work diligently and aggressively to defend your rights.

We know how to protect your rights and are available to assist you at any time.