Contest Harassment Restraining Orders (HROs)

Harassment restraining orders (HROs) are civil proceedings brought by one party against another. The moving party seeking an HRO generally alleges a single incident of physical or sexual assault or repeated incidents of intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures that are intended to have a negative effect on the person's feeling or safety, security or privacy. The person seeking an HRO and the respondent do NOT have to be members of the same family or household.

The standard of required proof is a preponderance of the evidence which is substantially lower than the standard in a criminal case. HROs are initially issued on a temporary ex-parte basis pending a hearing in front of a judge on the allegations. A lawyer should be consulted immediately so that party against whom the HRO is filed can choose the best course of action for him or her. HROs can remain in effect for up to 2 years and can be renewed after that.