PPOs Can Be a Shield and a Sword

Personal protection orders are a helpful benefit to those who are abused. However, these orders can also be used as a sword against someone else for threats of abuse that don't exist. If you are a petitioner or respondent in a personal protection order case, you should take it seriously and speak to a lawyer immediately.

At Corriveau Law in Northville, Michigan, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss the implications a personal protection order can have on your life.

What Is a Personal Protection Order?

A personal protection order, also known as a restraining order, can be used for very important purposes. If you are a victim of domestic violence or spousal abuse, this order can legally prevent the abuser from contacting you or coming into close proximity of you.

These orders can extend further than traditional physical abuse. There are other forms of abuse, such as verbal abuse, that are recognized by the court and supported by the medical field.

What Does a Personal Protection Order Do?

A personal protection order has criminal implications. It's a hybrid civil and criminal injunction that the courts have created to protect victims of domestic violence. The rules of evidence apply. If your spouse obtains a protection order against you, it will go on your record and could affect your employment, your reputation and your ability to hunt and own firearms. If you are the respondent (meaning that someone has requested a PPO against you), it should be defended aggressively.

If an argument breaks out in the future between you and the petitioner, police will pull up the Legal Enforcement Information Network (often called the LEIN machine in Michigan) and see the protection order against you. Obviously, you may be treated differently by police because of the PPO.

Talk to an attorney at Our Firm

For a free initial consultation on domestic violence and personal protection orders with a lawyer at our Northville firm, call 248-782-5202 (877-701-4991 toll free) or fill out the contact form on this site.