
You don't have to have a lawyer in this case, but if you want one you will need to hire one. You can also get free help from a court Self-Help Center.Alcohol is a substance that reduces the function of the brain, impairing thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination. This guide can help you figure out your options to "respond" and prepare for your case. Respond means to tell the judge if you agree or don't agree to the request for restraining order. At the court date, a judge will decide whether to grant a restraining order against you that can last up to five years. Make sure to go to your court date if you do not agree to the restraining order. You will have a court date, which is listed on form DV-109.If you don't, you could be arrested and charged with a crime. You must follow all the orders on form DV-110. If you were served with form DV-110, this means the judge granted a temporary restraining order against you.If someone has filed court papers to ask for a restraining order against you, carefully read over the papers you were given:

What if someone asked for a restraining order against me? Once you turn in your forms, the judge will make a decision that same day or by the next business day. But, a judge will make a decision quickly on whether to give you temporary protection. In most counties, you will not talk to a judge right away. Cases involving children and property may be more complicated. The whole process can last a few weeks or months, depending on how complicated your case is. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process of asking for a restraining order. There is no court fee to file to ask for a domestic violence restraining order, and you do not have to have a lawyer. If you want help with these forms, you can contact your local Self-Help Center. The forms will ask you to give details about the abuse. You will need to complete a few court forms. How do I ask for a domestic violence restraining order?

Also, a criminal protective order may not include some protections such as child custody orders or protection for your family members. One reason is that if the criminal case gets dismissed (closed), then the criminal protective order will be cancelled. There are some reasons why you might want to have multiple restraining orders.

If you were given a protective order as part of a criminal case, you can still ask for a domestic violence restraining order.
