Protective Orders - How do I get one?

There are two kinds of protective orders. The first is a criminal no contact order, which is part of the criminal case for domestic abuse. When a person calls the police after he or she has been hurt, the alleged abuser may be charged with domestic abuse, and a no contact order, also known as a protective order, may be issued. The no contact order usually lasts until the trial on the domestic abuse charge (or until a plea bargain is reached). The State of Iowa, as represented by the county attorney, negotiates with the alleged abuser or the attorney representing the abuser. Sometimes the no contact order is dropped after a plea bargain is struck.

The other kind of protective order is a civil protective order. Any victim of domestic abuse can obtain a civil protective order by going to the clerk of court and asking for the form for protective orders. You fill out the form, and give it back to the clerk. Then you go see a judge. The judge will see you ahead of regular court business, because of the emergency nature of protective orders. The temporary order granted by the judge will be in effect until a hearing on the case can take place-usually about 10 to 15 days after you first get the temporary order.


Show All Answers

1. Do the police do vacation house checks?
2. Does my pet need to be licensed?
3. How can I prove abuse when I file a civil protective order? I called the police, but they said there were no bruises and refused to file charges.
4. How do I get a copy of a criminal record?
5. How do I start the process to get a family member or loved one committed for mental health or substance abuse treatment?
6. I need to be fingerprinted for a job. Where do I go to get printed and what times are available?
7. I saw suspicious activity in my neighborhood. Should I report it to the police?
8. If a peddler comes to my door how do I know they are selling legally?
9. What number do I call for police assistance?
10. Where do I pay a parking ticket?
11. Where can I dispose of unused prescription medications?
12. Protective Orders - What is domestic abuse?
13. Protective Orders - How do I get one?
14. Protective Orders - How soon is it effective?
15. Protective Orders - I want a protective order, but I still need to talk to him/her about the children.
16. Protective Orders - Who can get one?
17. Protective Orders - What if there was a threat to "really hurt me" if I get a protective order?
18. Protective Orders - What about the kids?
19. Protective Orders - What about clothes and things? If there is a no contact order, how can arrangements be made for someone to get work clothes I need to have?
20. Protective Orders - My friend told me I would go to jail if I called the defendant. Is this true?