Restraining Orders and Harassment Prevention Orders

A complaint for a Restraining Order seeks protection from abuse perpetrated by a family or household member, which will be granted upon a showing that there is a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of abuse. Although the restraining order itself is civil in nature, the violation of a restraining order is criminal in nature. The Court may enter orders not only prohibiting the abuse, but forbidding any contact from the defendant and issuing vacate orders where appropriate.

An Harassment from Prevention Order (‘HPO”) prohibits abuse upon a showing of 3 or more acts of willful and malicious conduct aimed at a specific person that is committed with the intent to cause fear, intimidation, abuse or damage to property. We can help you prepare the appropriate paperwork to file and obtain an HPO to prevent harassment from an individual. The Court may enter orders prohibiting the abuse, refraining from contacting the moving party, remaining away from your household or workplace, and may order the defendant to pay monetary compensation for losses suffered as a direct result of the harassment.