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Domestic Violence Alert

Safety Alert! Your computer use or use of another electronic device and your search history could be monitored by someone else. If you are afraid that your internet and/or device use might be monitored, please use a safer device, like a computer at a library or self-help center, and/or contact a domestic violence organization for help. To learn more about online safety, visit Security Planner.

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Someone Has a Personal Protection Order Against Me

This toolkit tells you what you need to know if someone has a personal protection order (PPO) against you. It also tells you how you can ask the judge to change or end a PPO someone has against you. For general information about having a PPO against you, read the Articles. Read the Common Questions if you have a specific question. If you want to ask the judge to change or end a PPO against you, use the Forms link to prepare your forms. The Checklist below has step-by-step instructions for asking the judge to change or end the PPO against you. Go to Courts & Agencies for information about the court or agency that will handle your case.

You'll find links to legal aid offices and lawyer referral services under Find A Lawyer. If there is a Self-Help Center in your area you can get more help there. If you need something other than legal help, look in Community Services. If you need a fee waiver, an interpreter, a court to accommodate your disability, or more information about going to court, visit Going to Court.

Common Questions

Is a PPO violation the same as a criminal charge?

No. A PPO is a court order in a civil case. A violation of a PPO is “contempt of court,” which is different than a criminal charge. However, a PPO violation can result in jail time for the abuser.

An act can be a PPO violation and a crime (for example, an assault). In that situation the abuser may be charged with both a PPO violation and a crime for the same event.

What if I want the judge to change or end a PPO?

Either the Petitioner or the Respondent in a PPO case can ask the judge to change or end the PPO. To do this, use our Do-It-Yourself Motion to Modify, Extend, or Terminate a Personal Protection Order (PPO) tool to prepare your motion. For instructions on how to file and what to do afterwards, go to the toolkit I Need to Change or End My Personal Protection Order and read the Checklist.

Why should I care if someone has a Personal Protection Order against me?

Having a Personal Protection Order (PPO) against you can be serious. A PPO case is not a criminal case, and it doesn’t give you a criminal record, but it can affect your freedom. These are just some of the possible consequences of having a PPO against you:

  • The PPO is entered in the police LEIN system and is a matter of public record;
  • You can be restrained from:
    • Appearing in certain locations, including your own home
    • Communicating with the Petitioner and other named people, including your children
    • Having a gun (even if your job requires you to have one);
  • You can be arrested without a warrant for allegedly violating a PPO;
  • You can be charged with contempt of court for allegedly violating a PPO;
  • You can face potential fines and jail time for violating a PPO;
  • The PPO can be a factor in divorce or child custody proceedings.

Show more Common Questions

Checklist – How to File a Motion to Modify or Terminate Personal Protection Order When You are the Respondent (print)

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