A protection order (PO) is a court order issued by a judge that prohibits someone from contacting or coming near another person. These orders are often filed in cases involving alleged domestic violence, stalking, or harassment and can carry serious legal and personal consequences—especially if you violate the terms.
If you have been served with an unlawful protection order, contact our experienced Cincinnati domestic violence attorney Brad Groene at Luftman, Heck & Associates. We can help defend against your protection order and navigate your case. Call us today at (513) 338-1890, or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
What are the Different Types of Protection Orders in Ohio?
There are many different types of protection orders you can be served with. They often depend on your relationship with the petitioner and the kind of charges you are facing. The four different types of protection orders are:
- Civil Protection Order (CPO)- CPOs are issued through the Domestic Relations Court, and their purpose is to prevent and/or stop any domestic violence now and in the future. You do not have to be going through a legal divorce in order to file or be served with a CPO. Civil Protection Orders will expire once your case is resolved.
- Civil Stalking or Sexually Oriented Offense Protection Order (SSOOPO)– This type of protection order is filed through the General Division of Common Pleas Court. With this PO, the person who is charged with stalking is required to stop all alleged stalking activities immediately.
- Criminal Protection Order (CRPO)– In order to file a CRPO, several
requirements must be met. The defendant must have a criminal charge, the person who filed the PO must be considered the victim, and both parties must have a proper relationship that is definable under the law. - Domestic Violence Temporary Protection Order (DVTPO)– A DVTPO is issued through the Municipal (criminal) Court. This type of PO directs the defendant to cease all current criminal behavior. DVTPOs remain in effect until your case has concluded. However, a DVTPO is valid for a shorter amount of time than a CPO.
How Do You Defend Against a Protection Order in Ohio
Being served with a protection order can damage your reputation. POs will appear on record and serve as a warning to future landlords, employers, and more. Thus, it is important that you comply with your PO, because following the law is pertinent to having a good, clean case.
You must also respond to the court and court officials in a timely manner, as this will show your desire to fix the issue.
Additionally, it is important to hire an experienced domestic violence attorney who understands the law and will help defend you in your case.
5 Mistakes to Avoid with a Protection Order
If you’ve been served with a protection order, avoiding missteps can make the difference between resolving the matter quickly or facing jail time, fines, or new charges. Here are five common protection order mistakes—and how to avoid them.
1.Do Not Contact the Protected Party
This includes all forms of communication: in person, by phone, text, social media, email, or even through mutual friends. Violating a PO—even once—can result in criminal penalties, including arrest and additional charges.
2. Do Not Respond, Even If They Contact You
You might think it’s okay to respond if the protected party reaches out to reconcile. It’s not. The protection order is enforced by the court, not the other party. Only a judge can lift or modify it. If the protected person contacts you, do not reply—instead, call your attorney immediately.
3. Stay Calm—Don’t Lose Your Temper
Being hit with a PO is frustrating, especially if you believe it’s unjust. But any outburst or angry behavior—even indirectly or online—can reinforce the accusations and hurt your case. Don’t vent. Talk to your lawyer.
4. Understand the Specific Terms of the Order
Each protection order is different. You may be ordered to stay a certain distance away from the protected party, avoid certain locations, or give up firearms. Violating any part of the order—even unintentionally—can have serious consequences. Review the order carefully with your lawyer and follow it to the letter
5. Don’t Try to Handle It Alone
Whether you want to challenge the order, negotiate a resolution, or just avoid further legal fallout, you need a skilled defense attorney on your side. Self-representation or ignoring the order is a huge risk. An experienced domestic violence lawyer can help you protect your rights and move forward.
What Happens If You Violate a Protection Order?
Violating a PO is a criminal offense in Ohio under ORC 2919.27. Even a single violation can lead to:
- Arrest on the spot
- A misdemeanor or felony charge
- Jail or prison time
- Fines
- Impact on custody or visitation rights
- A worse outcome in your underlying domestic violence or criminal case
How a Cincinnati Domestic Violence Lawyer Can Help
Being served with a protection order—especially one you feel is unwarranted—can be overwhelming. At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we help clients:
- Understand the terms and restrictions of a PO
- Avoid actions that could lead to violations
- Fight unjust or excessive protection orders
- Protect their rights in related domestic violence or stalking cases
- Minimize long-term damage to their record, job, or family
If you have been served with a protection order you think you don’t deserve, contact Cincinnati criminal defense attorney Brad Groene at Luftman, Heck & Associates. We will evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.
Contact LHA for Help with a Protection Order
Whether you’re facing domestic violence accusations or were wrongly served with a protection order, we’re here to help. The legal system is complex—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Call us today to schedule an appointment at (513) 338-1890, or contact us online for a free consultation.
