Experiencing domestic violence or stalking can be a terrifying and isolating experience. In Washington DC, the law offers a powerful tool for protection: the Civil Protection Order (CPO), often referred to as a restraining order. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding the process of filing for a CPO in DC, empowering individuals to seek legal protection from harm.
A CPO is a court order issued to protect an individual from harm or harassment by another person. It is a legal mechanism to prevent further abuse, stalking, or threatening behavior. In DC, the process is governed by DC Code ยง 16-1003.
Any individual who has experienced domestic violence or stalking can file for a CPO. This includes:
The DC courts can issue two types of protection orders:
A CPO can impose numerous restrictions on the respondent, including:
Facing domestic violence or stalking is a difficult experience. Navigating the legal process of seeking a CPO can seem daunting. Monument Legal’s team of experienced DC criminal defense attorneys is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to protect individuals from harm. We will: