Seeking or Facing an Order of Protection in Illinois?
Orders of protection are powerful legal tools used to prevent domestic violence, harassment, and abuse. They can offer safety to victims, but they can also be misused in high-conflict divorces, custody battles, or breakups. Whether you’re requesting protection or defending yourself against one, you need experienced legal guidance.
What Is an Order of Protection?
An Order of Protection is a court order intended to prevent abuse or threats of abuse between people who share a domestic relationship, such as:
Spouses or ex-spouses
People who live together or used to live together
Parents and children
Individuals who share a child
Current or former dating partners
Orders are governed by the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and can impose a wide range of restrictions on the accused (called the “respondent”).
What Can an Order of Protection Do?
Depending on the situation, the court can order the respondent to:
Stay away from the petitioner’s home, work, or school
Cease all contact, including texts, calls, emails, or messages through others
Leave a shared residence
Surrender firearms and FOID cards
Avoid third-party contact or threats
Refrain from harassment, stalking, or intimidation
Follow temporary custody or parenting time arrangements
Violating an order is a criminal offense and may result in arrest, fines, or jail time.
Types of Protective Orders in Illinois
✅ Emergency Order of Protection
Can be issued without notice to the respondent
Lasts up to 21 days
Often filed after police involvement or domestic disputes
Usually followed by a hearing for a plenary order
✅ Plenary Order of Protection
Issued after a court hearing
Both parties can present evidence
Can last up to 2 years, and may be renewed
May include child custody, support, or exclusive possession of property
217 Law Attorneys
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Courtney Anderson
Courtney practices criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. Never shy of a difficult or high-profile case, she has won numerous awards for her advocacy, including recently being selected as a finalist for top lawyer in Macon County.
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Fallon Conner
Fallon practices criminal defense and family law. As a former prosecutor, she has unique insight into the criminal justice system. She enjoys being in the courtroom and has a great track record of success in bench and jury trials.
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Zach Anderson
Zach focuses on helping injured clients with workers compensation, personal injury, and products liability claims. He has successfully resolved multiple single-party injury cases for over $1 million, and has helped recover millions for users of bad products.
We want to work with you.
Phone:
217-217-0217
Address:
132 S. Water St., Suite 628. Decatur, IL 62523
Email:
info@217law.com
Where We Work:
We help clients throughout the 217 area code with injury claims and general civil litigation. We practice criminal defense and family law in Macon and surrounding counties.
