What is the difference between a restraining order and a protection order?

What is the difference between a restraining order and a protection order?

A restraining order is an order requiring parties to a lawsuit to do or not do certain things. It may be part of a family law case, such as a divorce, or other civil case. If a criminal case is pending, the district attorney may request or the judge may order a protection order for the victim of the crime.

What are valid reasons for a restraining order?

A civil harassment restraining order is a court order that helps protect people from violence, stalking, serious harassment, or threats of violence. You can ask for a civil harassment restraining order if: A person has abused (or threatened to abuse), sexually assaulted, stalked, or seriously harassed you, and.

Can you be charged with harassment for texting?

“Harassment” is legally defined as repeated, unwanted contact. Harassment does not have to be threatening to be “harassing.” It can take the form of abusive messages or text message “spam.” Regardless of the situation, it is not legal nor justified and you have the right to take action.

How do you stop someone from harassing you?

Start by telling the person that you don’t like the behavior and asking them to stop. If the harassment doesn’t let up, take measures such as involving the police and increasing your security. In some circumstances, you might need to file for a restraining order to keep your harasser away.

What happens if you harass someone?

Harassment charges can range from misdemeanor to high level felony charges. In many states, people charged with harassment will receive a higher level charge if they have previously been convicted of harassment, of communicating a threat, or of a domestic violence offense.

Can you go to jail for harassment on social media?

“Cyberstalking” is online harassment using an electronic communication device. It is one way to violate California’s stalking laws. If you violate a restraining order, injunction or other court order by stalking someone, you can be charged with a felony, which is punishable by up to four years in prison.

Can you go to jail for cyberstalking?

Misdemeanor cyberstalking could result in one year of jail time plus a fine of up to $1000. A felony charge of cyberstalking could result in a sentence of five years in a state prison plus fines of up to $1,000.

Can you charge someone for threatening to kill you?

Depending on the state, a criminal threat can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony offense. While felony offenses are more serious than misdemeanors, either of them can result in incarceration, fines, and other penalties. Anyone convicted of making a criminal threat faces a substantial time in jail or prison.

Can you hit someone if they provoke you?

You can only use reasonable force to protect yourself. If someone is taunting you, even by making horrific insults you are still not entitled to use physical force against you.

Can you press charges for threats?

Under California Penal Code 422, making a criminal threat can be charged either as a felony or as a misdemeanor. However, a court ruling in another recent case will make it harder for the state to win convictions against criminal threat defendants when the alleged threat is non-verbal rather than verbal.

How do you deal with someone who is threatening you?

What to Do If Someone Threatens You: 4 Important Steps

  1. Step 1: Tell Someone! Never deal with a threat on your own.
  2. Step 2: Retain All Evidence. From the moment the threat occurs, make sure to hold onto all evidence.
  3. Step 3: Get a Restraining Order.
  4. Step 4: Pursue Criminal and/or Civil Remedies.