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1. Do I need an attorney to get a Protective Order?

It is not necessary to have an attorney to get a protective order, but you can if you wish. More information is available on the Protective Orders page.

2. How do I get a Protective Order/No Contact Order?

There are 2 types of orders - a civil protective order and a no contact order issued through a criminal case. A civil protective order can be obtained from the Hamilton County Clerk's Office. A no contact order issued through a criminal case. This order is prepared by the Prosecutor's Office and is issued as a condition of the defendant's pretrial release or sentence. Once the protective/no contact orders have been filed, a copy will be distributed to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department and any other municipalities which need to be aware of the protective/no contact order. Find more information on the Protective Orders page.

3. How long is the Protective Order/No Contact Order valid?

A civil protective order is valid for 1 year from the date it is issued. The order may be renewed for up to 1 additional year if proved necessary. A no contact order issued as a result of criminal proceedings is valid during the pendency of the case. Once the case is closed (either by conviction or acquittal) the no contact order as a condition of pretrial release must be terminated. However, if the defendant is convicted, a new no contact order as a condition of sentencing may be issued. This no contact order is valid for the duration of the defendant's sentence. Once the defendant is no longer serving his/her sentence, the no contact order must be terminated. At this time, if you still desire a protective order against the defendant, you must request a civil protective order. You may learn about these requests on the Protective Orders page.

4. Once I get my Protective Order/No Contact Order, what should I do with it?

You should always carry a copy of the Protective Order/No Contact Order with you. If the defendant would happen to violate the Protective Order/No Contact Order and the police are called to respond, you will have your copy to show the police officer.

5. What if I don't want the no contact order issued by the Prosecutor's Office?

You should contact Prevail at 317-773-6942 and schedule a time to meet with them.

6. What if the defendant violates the Protective Order/No Contact Order?

You should immediately contact your local law enforcement agency and advise them that you have a Protective Order/No Contact Order and that the defendant is violating it. An officer should investigate the complaint and the defendant may be arrested or issued a citation and summonsed to court.

7. What is a Protective Order/No Contact Order?

A Protective Order/No Contact Order is a court order which instructs the defendant to have no contact, direct or indirect, with a victim. Find more information on the Protective Orders page.