What is a restraining order?

A restraining order is a court order that requires someone to do or not do something. In California, they are used to protect a person from violence, harassment, or stalking. A restraining order, also sometimes called a “protective order” or an “injunction”, can be issued by a court in a civil procedure. The person the order is issued against is the “respondent.” The person who is protected by the order is the “petitioner.” A restraining order can include an order for the respondent not to contact the petitioner or anyone else in the petitioner’s family, as well as an order to stay away from places the petitioner regularly visits. It can also include other orders like not possessing a gun or other weapon or being required to pay certain kinds of support. The court can also order the respondent to not commit any other forms of violence. If the person violates the restraining order, they can be arrested and charged with a crime. In addition, if someone violates the restraining order the other person can go back to the court to ask for further relief, such as additional restrictions or an increase in support. Restraining orders are important tools to provide safety to people facing violence, harassment, and stalking. California has also put in place tools such as the Gun Violence Restraining Order that are available to allow people to take appropriate steps to protect themselves or their family members.

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What is a restraining order?

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