If you are a victim of harassment, stalking, or domestic violence in New York, you have the right to seek a restraining order to protect yourself. A restraining order, also known as an order of protection, is a legal document that prohibits an individual from coming into contact with you or your family members. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps to get a restraining order in New York.
Step 1: Determine the Type of Restraining Order You Need
There are three types of restraining orders in New York:
- Family Offense Order of Protection: This type of order is for victims of domestic violence, including spouses, former spouses, family members, or individuals with whom you have a child.
- Criminal Court Order of Protection: This type of order is for victims of harassment, stalking, or other criminal offenses.
- Supreme Court Order of Protection: This type of order is for victims of civil harassment, stalking, or workplace harassment.
Step 2: File a Petition for an Order of Protection
To obtain a restraining order in New York, you need to file a petition with the court. You can file a petition in person at the courthouse, or you can do it online. You will need to provide your personal information, including your name, address, and phone number, as well as details of the abuse or harassment you have experienced.
Step 3: Attend the Hearing
After you file the petition, the court will schedule a hearing where you and the person you are seeking protection against will be asked to appear. At the hearing, you will have to provide evidence to support your claims of abuse or harassment. It is important to bring any documentation or witnesses that can help prove your case.
Step 4: The Court Will Issue an Order of Protection
If the court determines that you are in danger of harm, it will issue an order of protection. The order will specify the terms of the protection, such as the length of time it will remain in effect, and the prohibited actions the respondent must follow, such as staying away from you, your home, or your workplace.
Step 5: Enforce the Order of Protection
If the person you are seeking protection against violates the order of protection, you should immediately contact the police. Violating an order of protection is a criminal offense and can result in arrest and prosecution.
Additionally, it is important to keep a copy of the order of protection with you at all times, and to provide a copy to local law enforcement agencies, security personnel, and anyone else who may need to enforce the order. You may also want to inform your employer, school, or other relevant parties of the order of protection, so they can take necessary steps to ensure your safety.
It is also crucial to create a safety plan to protect yourself in case the person you are seeking protection against violates the order of protection. A safety plan can include identifying safe places to go in case of emergency, creating a code word to use with family and friends to indicate that you need help, and keeping a list of emergency contacts handy.
If you feel that you are in immediate danger, do not hesitate to call 911 or your local law enforcement agency. They can provide you with assistance and protection.
As a law firm based in Albany, New York, we at Jean M. Mahserjian, Esq., P.C. are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services to our clients, including assistance with restraining order cases. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation.
If you are in need of a restraining order in New York, we can help you with every step of the legal process, from filing the petition for an order of protection to attending the hearing and enforcing the order. We can provide you with advice on creating a safety plan to protect yourself in case the order is violated.
We understand that restraining order cases can be difficult and emotional, which is why we strive to provide our clients with the support and guidance they need during this challenging time. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure your safety.
In addition to restraining order cases, we also offer legal services in other areas of family law, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Our attorneys have extensive experience in these areas and can provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need to protect your interests and achieve your goals.
If you are in need of legal assistance in a restraining order case or any other family law matter in New York, we at Jean M. Mahserjian, Esq., P.C. are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
