Columbus, OH Civil Protection Order Attorneys
A Civil Protection Order (CPO) is a court order designed to protect individuals from domestic violence, stalking, or sexually oriented offenses. In Ohio, CPOs are governed by specific statutes — including Ohio Revised Code Section 3113.31 and Ohio Revised Code Section 2903.214 — that allow victims to seek immediate judicial protection from threatening or harmful behavior.
CPOs can require the respondent to stay away from the petitioner, vacate a shared residence, have no contact by any means, and comply with temporary custody arrangements. Violating a CPO is a criminal offense in Ohio that can result in arrest and imprisonment.
The process begins when the petitioner files a petition with the court describing the threats or acts of violence. If the court finds an immediate and present danger, it can issue an ex parte (temporary) order the same day, providing immediate protection before the respondent is even notified.
The respondent is then served with the temporary order, and a full hearing is scheduled within 7 to 10 days. At the hearing, both parties can present evidence and testimony. If the court grants the full CPO, it can last up to 5 years and may be renewed.
Ohio law provides several types of civil protection orders depending on the relationship between the parties and the nature of the threat. Tap each type to learn more.
Filed under Ohio Revised Code § 3113.31, a DVCPO protects family or household members from domestic violence. This includes current or former spouses, people who have lived together, parents of the same child, and other family or household members. The court can order the respondent to stay away from the petitioner’s home, workplace, and school, and can grant temporary custody of children. A DVCPO is the most common type of civil protection order sought in Ohio domestic relations courts.
The respondent must stay a specified distance from the petitioner’s residence, workplace, school, and other frequented locations. Courts can tailor the distance and specific locations based on the circumstances of each case, providing comprehensive geographic protection for the petitioner and their family members.
Violating a Civil Protection Order is a criminal offense under Ohio Revised Code § 2919.27. A first violation is charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Subsequent violations or violations involving physical harm can be elevated to a felony of the fifth degree, carrying up to 12 months in prison.
Law enforcement officers are authorized to arrest the respondent without a warrant if they have reasonable cause to believe a CPO has been violated. The court may also modify the existing order to impose stricter conditions.
Answers to the questions we hear most often.