Protection Orders

There are four different kinds of protection orders. Criminal court may issue a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) or an Anti-Stalking Protection Order (SPO) depending on the type of charge and your relationship to the defendant. Civil (Domestic) Court issues Civil Protection Orders (CPO) if you are a family or household member of the defendant. If you are being stalked, Common Pleas Court may issue a Civil Stalking Protection Order (CSPO).

A Protection Order is granted by a Judge and orders the defendant to stay away from you. The defendant should not enter your home or approach you at your place of work or school. If the defendant violates the protection order, a new charge could be filed and the defendant could be arrested again.

Although the Judge may grant the Protection Order, it does not guarantee your safety. It is important for you to be very careful and take steps to ensure your safety as much as possible.

The law (2919.27 and 3113.31 Ohio Revised Code) states that protection orders issued anywhere in the State of Ohio are enforceable throughout the state - if they are current and still valid. Comparable protection orders issued in other states may also be valid in Ohio.

From A Guide to Protection Orders
Prepared by:
Richard C. Pfeiffer, Jr.
City Attorney
Columbus, Ohio