Protective Orders
We cannot file a protection order for you, but we can help you through the process of filing for one. We start with filing for a temporary one and then if you want a permanent* one, we can help you prepare for court and sit with you in court.
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​We do not offer legal advice or act as counselors as we are not qualified.
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*Permanent is not actually permanent in the State of North Dakota, you can get a protection order for a max of 2 years.
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Types of Protective Orders
No Contact Order
Disorderly Contact Order
A condition of “no-contact” as part of a defendants bond may, and most likely will, be ordered by the Judge on a violent crime arrest. * The “no-contact order” is in effect for the ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE CRIMINAL CASE or until the victim requests that it be removed and then it is only removed on the approval of the District Attorney and the Judge handling the case. *“No-contact” means that a defendant is not to call, write, have a third party contact, or themselves physically contact the victim or any other party the Judge orders the defendant have “no-contact” with. *A condition of “no-contact” may be part of the disposition or sentence in a case. *“No-contact may include the children of the defendant and victim.
A disorderly conduct restraining order (DCRO) can offer protection to someone who is the victim of "disorderly conduct," which is similar to harassment. A DRCO could be a good option for someone who is not eligible to file for a domestic violence protection order (DVPO). Disorderly conduct orders can order the person who is harassing you or abusing you to stop the disorderly conduct and/or have no contact with you.**
"Disorderly conduct" is intrusive (interfering) or unwanted acts, words, or gestures that are intended to negatively affect your safety, security, or privacy.* Some examples could be repeated teasing, yelling threats, harassing phone calls, and other behaviors that are intended to scare you.
Sexual Assault Restraining Order
A Sexual Assault Restraining Order requires the person who committed the act to leave the victim alone. A SARO prohibits the respondent from contacting the victim in anyway, whether that be in person, though messages or someone else. They cannot show up at your place of residence, school, or work.
Domestic Violence Protection Order
A Domestic Violence Protection Order orders the person causing domestic violence to leave the victim alone. A DVPO may exclude the respondent from a place of residence, award temporary custody, require payment of child support or attorney fees, and require the surrender of weapons.
Next Steps:
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You will need to fill out the paperwork to get an order and turn it into the clerk of court
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We can help you find the correct paperwork and fill it out and bring it to the clerk of court for you​
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Your order will be reviewed and a decision is made
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If denied or granted, we will help you set up a safety plan​
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If the temporary order is granted, a court hearing will be held within 14 days of the order being granted
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This is to decide if a longer order will be issued​
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Attend the hearin​​g
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Your advocate can attend with you; this is where the abuser will also attend and have the option of sharing their side of events. If they do not attend, you will still need to prove that there is adequate reason to extend the order.​
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The judge makes a decision
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The decision is made and if granted the respondent will be served and as soon as it is served, they must abide by the order.​
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