How Long Does a Restraining Order Last?

Restraining orders are used to protect individuals who feel they are in a dangerous or a violent situation. Restraining orders prevent the restrained person from being in a specific place and/or making contact with a specific person(s).

If you have been served with a restraining order, the restraining order will be effective for a specific duration of time depending on what type of restraining order has been issued. So how long does that time period last?

How Long Does a Restraining Order Last?

How long your restraining order lasts will depend on the type of restraining order issued against you. If you have been served with an emergency protective order, which is issued when immediate protection is needed for another person, it will typically last for seven days. A temporary protective order, which is issued to provide protection to a victim throughout the duration of the case, will stay in effect until the case concludes. If you have been served with a permanent restraining order, which is enforceable only after a hearing is conducted and both parties have a chance to be heard, it can last for up to five years. If you have been served with a civil harassment restraining order, issued to prevent harassment and stalking of another person, it is enforceable until a court hearing is held. A court hearing usually occurs within 15 to 22 days.

If you have been served with a restraining order you must comply with the terms of the restraining order for the term specified. If you do not comply with the restraining order you will be subject to the consequences that go along with a violation of the restraining order, including arrest for violating a court order.

Can I Terminate a Restraining Order?

Although a restraining order typically lasts for five years, there can be circumstances that will allow you to terminate the restraining order early. An experienced restraining order lawyer will be able to help you argue that the restraining order against you should be terminated.

Call the Restraining Order Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich

If you have a restraining order against you or a restraining order hearing coming up, you need to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney at Wallin & Klarich. Our skilled attorneys have been successfully handling restraining order cases for over 30 years. We may be able to have the restraining order against you terminated.

With offices in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, West Covina, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Ventura and Victorville, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are available to help you no matter where you are located.

Contact our office today at (888) 280-6839 for a free phone consultation with one of our skilled lawyers. We will be there when you call.