When facing a domestic violence situation, you should get away from the situation and seek protection under the law. One option you have is to get a protective order from the court.
According to the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch, there are three types of protective orders the court may issue: restraining order, standing criminal protective order and protective order. All orders restrict the ability of the person the court names in them from having any type of contact with you. There may also be additional stipulations the court puts in place.
Restraining order
A restraining order is specifically for domestic violence situations. You must request the order against a family member who has caused you or threatened to cause you, other members of your family or pets physical harm of any kind. There does not have to be an arrest. The court may issue the order effective for up to one year with the option for you to request an extension.
Standing criminal protective order
A standing criminal protective order is only available if there is a conviction for specific crimes, which does include domestic violence. There must be a criminal conviction on the charge to get this type of order. The court can put it into effect for any amount of time it deems necessary.
Protective order
While you may think of all of these orders as protective orders, the only actual protective order is available if there is an arrest for specific crimes, including domestic violence. This type of order will go into effect as soon as the court makes the ruling and will remain in effect until the criminal case ends. The court may also make changes to the order, including the effective dates.
