Orders of Protection in Cook County are serious legal matters that impact your life, but you still have rights. If you’ve been served with a temporary or emergency order of protection, it can feel like a hopeless situation. You might be forced out of your home, separated from your children, and facing immediate, harsh restrictions on your personal liberty.

Even a false accusation of physical abuse or domestic abuse can be devastating, putting you in an impossible position where you feel helpless. At Ktenas Law, we are order of protection lawyers who understand the Cook County court system. We provide immediate, clear legal guidance to help you navigate this extremely difficult process.

Whether you are the respondent defending against a restraining order or a petitioner seeking the protection you need, we’re here to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are upheld. Don’t let fear or confusion make the entire situation worse; getting timely legal representation is the most important first step. Call us today for a confidential and free conversation with our experienced criminal defense attorneys.

attorney alex at his desk

The Weight of an Order of Protection in Chicago

An order of protection is a powerful legal tool in Illinois. According to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, it can be issued by a judge and is designed to prevent further physical abuse, violence, harassment, intimidation, or interference with personal liberty. In the Cook County districts, particularly within the Chicago court system, these orders are taken very seriously, and for obvious reasons, they’re granted quickly in emergency situations.

However, the speed of justice also means that an emergency order of protection can sometimes be granted without the accused party having a chance to present their side. This temporary order can dramatically change your life overnight, imposing “no-contact” and “stay-away” provisions, affecting child custody, and even requiring you to surrender firearms.

For some, particularly in contentious types of family law cases, these orders are tragically used as tools of revenge or as desperate attempts to gain leverage, putting the accused person at a severe, immediate disadvantage. This is why hiring an experienced attorney is the first step in the right direction.

Did you know? Ktenas Law offers Free Consultations.

A Civil Matter with Criminal Consequences

Obtaining an order of protection is a legal process classified under civil court proceedings. However, it is crucial to recognize that breaching the terms of such an order constitutes a criminal offense.

If an individual is found guilty of violating an order of protection, they may face significant legal consequences. These can range from being charged with a misdemeanor to facing felony charges, both of which carry severe repercussions. Consequences might include paying substantial fines, serving time in jail, and having a criminal charges record initiated.

Given the gravity of these potential outcomes, it is essential to take immediate and well-informed action. Our experienced legal team treats every order of protection case with the utmost seriousness, akin to any criminal defense case in Chicago. Our focus is on safeguarding your personal freedoms and securing your future against unwarranted infringement.

restraining order form with glasses on top

When You Are Seeking an Order of Protection

If you are facing a potential threat to life or are enduring physical abuse, harassment, or willful deprivation of care by a family or household member, an order of protection is a critical lifeline. It’s a necessary legal tool for victims to establish clear boundaries, immediate safety, and legal assistance. Having a skilled restraining order lawyer on your side can make all the difference.

Filing for an order of protection in Cook County or in surrounding suburban counties, like in the DuPage County circuit courts, can be a confusing and emotionally draining process. We help guide individuals with their petitions through gathering evidence, preparing for court appearances, and clearly presenting the facts to the judge to secure the immediate safety and long-term security you need and deserve.

The most common types of restraining orders are:

  • Emergency Orders: We can help file for an emergency order of protection immediately if there is a perceived threat to life or safety, an order that is granted quickly and lasts 14 to 21 days.
  • Plenary Orders: These are typically longer and more final orders of protection where both the victim and defendant have to opportunity to attend. We work to present a comprehensive case at the plenary hearing to obtain a long-term protective order, which can last several years.

Contact: Secure an aggressive assault and battery lawyer at Ktenas Law now!

When You Are Served with an Order of Protection

Being served with an order of protection can feel like the ground has disappeared beneath you. Whether the allegations are true or a false accusation, the first step is to comply with the order absolutely, no matter how unfair it seems. Violating it will only compound your legal problems, potentially leading to criminal charges, possible jail time, and making a bad situation worse.

As a Chicago protection order lawyer team, our immediate action is to review the order, investigate the petitioner’s claims, and prepare a strong defense for your upcoming hearing. As the defendant, you have the right to challenge the allegations, present evidence, and cross-examine witnesses. Failing to attend the hearing means the judge will likely issue a plenary order against you without ever hearing your side, cementing the restrictions for up to two years.

Defending Your Rights and Reputation

The consequences of a plenary order extend far beyond the relationship with the petitioner. They can affect:

  • Child Custody and Visitation: Limiting or entirely removing your contact with your children.
  • Your Home: Ordering your removal from a shared residence, even if you own it.
  • Employment and Firearms: Potentially impacting job searches and requiring the surrender of any firearms and your FOID card.

We work diligently to build a defense that challenges the necessity of a long-term order, showing the judge why the full scope of the requested restrictions is unwarranted or based on incomplete information.

Man being arrested by a police officer beside the patrol car

Why You Need Experienced Chicago Order of Protection Lawyers

The court system for protection orders is fast-moving and carries massive stakes. Trying to navigate this frustrating situation alone against a petitioner who may have legal advocates or an attorney can be a tremendous mistake. You need a Chicago order of protection attorney who is not just familiar with the law but is accustomed to the judges and procedures in Cook County and the suburban counties’ courtrooms.

While some courts offer lawyer referral services, securing your own private representation ensures you have a lawyer dedicated solely to your best outcome. We focus on providing personalized attention and working quickly to prepare a compelling case, whether you are fighting a false accusation of abuse can derail your life or ensuring you get the protection you truly need. We strive to provide transparent guidance on legal fees and a clear strategy from day one.

Read: Stop your search for aggravated battery lawyers near me and contact Ktenas Law today!

Ready to Fight for Your Safety or Your Freedom?

Don’t wait for a temporary court order to become a permanent, life-altering restriction. Whether you are seeking immediate protection from a potential threat or defending your reputation and personal liberty against a wrongful order, time is not on your side.

Securing competent, authoritative legal representation now is the single best way to protect your future. Get legal guidance now and contact Ktenas Law today at (312) 800-1626.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexander Ktenas
Alexander Ktenas

Alexander Ktenas is a respected trial attorney in the Chicago area, known for his tenacious work ethic and deep knowledge of the law. As a managing partner at Ktenas Law, he has successfully conducted hundreds of trials, applying an aggressive trial strategy to defend his clients in a variety of cases, primarily in criminal and DUI defense.


Attorney-Approved Content: A collaboration between AI, legal editors, and experienced attorneys, delivering accurate, human-verified content.

Practice area detail shadow shape
Decorative footer shape Decorative footer shape
Back to top arrow