Civil Protection Orders
Civil Protection Orders | Legal Protection Against Threats & Abuse | Strong Family Law, PLLC
Ensuring Safety Through Civil Protection Orders
If you are experiencing domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or threats, a civil protection order can provide legal protection and help keep you safe. At Strong Family Law, PLLC, we help individuals in Idaho obtain court-issued protection orders to prevent further harm and ensure peace of mind.
A protection order legally restricts an abuser from contacting, harassing, or being near the victim. Violating a protection order is a serious offense and can lead to criminal penalties for the offender.
If you need urgent legal protection, contact us today for assistance in filing a civil protection order.
Types of Civil Protection Orders in Idaho
Idaho law allows victims of abuse, harassment, or violence to seek various types of civil protection orders, depending on the situation:
1. Domestic Violence Protection Order
✔ For victims of domestic abuse, threats, or violence by a spouse, former spouse, intimate partner, or household member.
✔ Can order the abuser to leave the home, stay away from the victim, and prohibit any form of contact.
✔ May include temporary child custody provisions to protect minor children.
2. No-Contact Order (Criminal Case Protection)
✔ Issued automatically in criminal cases involving domestic violence, assault, stalking, or harassment.
✔ Prohibits the defendant from contacting the victim before or during trial.
✔ Enforceable even if the victim does not request it.
3. Malicious Harassment
✔ Does not require any type of special relationship.
✔ Available for:
* Telephone Threats: Within the last 90 days, the abuser has telephoned you with the intent to terrify, threaten, or intimidate you.
* Threats Based on Race, Color, Religion, Ancestry, or National origin: Within the last 90 days, you have been intimidated, threatened, harassed, physically injured, or had your property injured due to your race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin.
✔ Restricts any form of contact, including online harassment.
4. Stalking Protection Order
✔ For individuals experiencing ongoing harassment, surveillance, or threats that cause fear for safety.
✔ Available to victims of stalking, cyberstalking, or intimidation.
✔ Can include restrictions on physical proximity and electronic communication.
For more information, see this brochure created by Idaho Legal Aid:
https://www.idaholegalaid.org/sites/default/files/Civil%20Protection%20Order%20Guide%20-%202.14.23.pdf
If you are unsure which type of protection order applies to your situation, schedule a consultation to discuss your legal options.
How to Obtain a Civil Protection Order in Idaho
Filing for a protection order involves several legal steps. Our legal team assists clients in navigating the process efficiently and ensuring their rights are protected.
Step 1: File a Petition
✔ Complete and submit a petition for a protection order at your local Idaho courthouse.
✔ Provide details of abuse, threats, or harassment, including dates and evidence (texts, emails, photos, police reports).
✔ Strong Family Law can help you prepare your petition and supporting documents to strengthen your case.
Step 2: Court Review & Temporary Order Issuance
✔ A judge reviews your petition and may issue a temporary (emergency) protection order if immediate danger is present.
✔ This order goes into effect immediately and is valid for up to 14 days until a court hearing is scheduled.
✔ The order will be served to the abuser, notifying them of the restrictions.
Step 3: Court Hearing for a Long-Term Order
✔ A court hearing is scheduled within two weeks to determine if a long-term protection order is necessary.
✔ Both parties may present evidence and testimony to the judge.
✔ If approved, the final protection order is valid for up to one year and may be renewed if needed.
Step 4: Enforcing the Protection Order
✔ If the abuser violates the order, report the violation to law enforcement immediately.
✔ Violations can result in arrest, fines, and jail time.
✔ Strong Family Law can assist with modifying orders for added protection.
If you need immediate assistance, contact us or call (208) 444-4482 for legal support.
What Happens if a Protection Order Is Violated?
Violating a protection order is a serious offense in Idaho. Law enforcement takes violations seriously, and consequences may include:
✔ Immediate arrest of the offender
✔ Criminal charges, including jail time and fines
✔ Extension of the protection order for additional time
✔ Additional legal consequences, such as loss of custody rights
If your protection order is being ignored or violated, do not wait to seek help. Call (208) 444-4482 today to discuss your legal options.
Resources for Protection Order Assistance
✔ Idaho Courts Protection Orders – courtselfhelp.idaho.gov/protectionorders
✔ Idaho Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence – www.engagingvoices.org
✔ National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
✔ National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) – 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
✔ Safe Passage (Idaho Victim Support) – www.safepassageid.org
✔ Strong Family Law – Legal Advocacy for Protection Orders – (208) 444-4482
How Strong Family Law Can Help
At Strong Family Law, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and abuse obtain civil protection orders to safeguard their well-being. Our firm provides:
✔ Expert legal guidance on the protection order process.
✔ Assistance in filing petitions and gathering supporting evidence.
✔ Court representation for hearings to secure long-term protection.
✔ Modification of existing protection orders.
✔ Legal guidance on whether a civil protection order will help or hurt in your situation.
Is a Protection Order Appropriate for Me?
Protection Orders are not always appropriate or safe. The protection order is ultimately a piece of paper, not armor to keep you safe. Its effectiveness depends on your abuser’s respect for the law and concern for criminal charges. For example, if an abuser is set on killing you, a protection order will not stop them; but if they are harassing you, the criminal charges are likely a deterrent.
If you need a civil protection order, call (208) 444-4482 today or schedule a confidential consultation to discuss whether a protection order is right for your situation.