Emergency Protective Order
Emergency Protective Order
California law allows for persons to protect themselves against others and this is done through a court order. These orders are called restraining orders. There are three kinds of restraining orders, but this article will take a look at the emergency protective order (EPO). If you or your family is in immediate danger, please call 911. This article is only an overview of an EPO. If you believe you require an EPO due to an emergency, you must call 911. If you have legal questions about future, permanent restraining orders, contact us at Law Advocates Group for more information.
How to Receive an Emergency Protective Order
An EPO is not permanent and serves to protect you during an emergency. When an emergency occurs, call 911. Police officers will come to where you are and if the officer determines that you require immediate protection, they can ask for an EPO. A police officer requests an EPO on your behalf if they have a reason to believe you are in immediate danger of the following: domestic abuse, threats of violence, stalking, sexual assault or any other reason to believe you are in danger. Other reasons include, but are not limited to, immediate danger of elder abuse and kidnapping. Judges are always available to receive requests from police officers, thereby allowing for an EPO to go into effect as soon as possible. The EPO is enforced for a period of one week (five business days or seven calendar days).
What to do after an EPO
Given the very temporary nature of an EPO, it is in your best interest to seek further restraining orders, such as a temporary restraining order and, finally, a permanent restraining order. The purpose of the EPO is to protect the victim during the time they seek the further restraining orders. If you or your family are in danger, please call 911. Police officers will arrive and ensure your protection.
