Under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, a circuit court judge can forbid a family or household member from continuous abusive behavior by granting an order of protection under Illinois law. The following are considered by law to be family or household members:

• A spouse.

• Ex-spouse.

• Girlfriend/boyfriend who have or have had a dating or engagement relationship.

• Parents.

• Children.

• Stepchildren.

• Significant other/partner.

• Persons who share or allege to have a blood relationship through a child.

• Persons who live together or formerly lived together.

• Persons with disabilities and their personal assistants.

An order of protection in Illinois can be granted to protect victims from anyone who has physically assaulted, harassed in any way, intimidated, exploited or stalked the victim. Criminal charges may result in the arrest, conviction and sentencing of the defendant/abuser – while no arrest or sentencing occurs in non-criminal cases. This term can be thrown around casually, but it is important for victims to realize that restraining orders do give them power. Those who violate a restraining order are subject to criminal and civil penalties, including arrest and prison time. At that point, the victim can reach out to the police and/or court to intervene.

If you are wondering how to get a restraining order in in Will County, or elsewhere in Illinois, it is best to reach out to an experienced attorney like the team at Bretz, Flynn & Associates. Restraining and personal protection order laws vary from one jurisdiction to the next, and each jurisdiction determines who can file for an order, what protection or relief a person can get from such an order and how the restraining order will be enforced.

Whether you need a Joliet protective order or you are specifically seeking a temporary protective order, or need to defend yourself from an Order of Protection, Bretz, Flynn & Associates can help you obtain legal protection. You should never have to feel like a victim of any type of abuse nor should the legal process be used to interfere with your rights. Our attorneys have a passion for securing a protective order for our clients’ security and peace of mind. We are a constant presence in the Will County Courthouse and will fight for you.

Rest assured, you are not alone in your situation. Find out how we can help liberate you from intimidation, harassment and abuse. Our skilled attorneys can help you out with all types of restraining orders in Joliet, including a temporary restraining order and stalking orders in Illinois. Call us today at (815) 740-1545 to learn more.