Under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 (750 ILCS 60/), anyone who has been abused by a family or household member can seek an order of protection. Sometimes orders of protection are known as protective orders or restraining orders. They are court orders that are designed to protect victims of abuse against any additional harm. The person who files a petition for the order of protection is known as the petitioner, and the alleged abuser against whom the order of protection can be enforced is known as the respondent.
The Act emphasizes that domestic violence is “a serious crime against the individual and society which produces family disharmony in thousands of Illinois families, promotes a pattern of escalating violence which frequently culminates in intra-family homicide, and creates an emotional atmosphere that is not conducive to healthy childhood development.” If you have questions about how orders of protection work, a Winnetka orders of protection attorney can speak with you today.
Domestic violence occurs more often than most Winnetka residents might think. Indeed, according to a fact sheet from the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, there are tens of thousands of domestic violence survivors currently living in the state, and many have orders of protection to keep them safe. The following are some key statistics about domestic violence in Illinois:
Generally speaking, there are three different kinds of orders of protection available under Illinois law. Both emergency orders of protection and interim orders of protection are designed to last for only a short time until a hearing before a judge—in which both the petitioner and respondent can be heard—can occur. A plenary order is a longer order of protection that a judge can order after a hearing, and it can last for up to two years.
Do you have questions or concerns about orders of protection in Illinois? A dedicated Winnetka orders of protection lawyer can discuss the facts of your case with you today and can explore your options. Domestic violence cases are often complex and emotionally demanding. As such, it is essential to have a compassionate advocate on your side who can help to ensure that your voice is heard during an order of protection hearing. Contact the Law Office of George M. Sanders, P.C. to speak with an attorney about your case.