By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 16, 2023
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Also known as orders of protection and protection orders, protective orders help victims of domestic violence and stalking protect themselves from their abusers. If you're a victim of domestic violence or stalking, it's wise to get an order of protection.
Continue reading for a brief overview of protective orders in Wisconsin.
Protective orders are legally enforceable court documents that order the person named in the document to stay a certain distance away from the person seeking the protection. While most protective orders are used to protect abused spouses and exes from their abusers, they may also be used to keep stalkers away.
Code Section |
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Activity Addressed by Order |
Orders address a variety of activities. The following are examples of activities that orders address:
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Duration of Order |
Orders last for 10 years. However, if there is a risk that the respondent may kill or sexually assault the petitioner, orders may exceed 10 years. |
Penalty for a Violation of Order |
If the respondent knowingly violates an order, they face up to nine months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. |
Who May Apply for Order |
The following people are eligible for orders of protection:
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Can Fees Be Waived? |
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Order Transmission to Law Enforcement |
A copy of the order is sent to the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction within 24 hours, while it's also made available to other agencies through a verification system. |
Civil Liability for Violation of Order |
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Wisconsin takes domestic violence very seriously. By providing access to orders of protection, Wisconsin tries to help victims protect themselves. Protection orders and harassment restraining orders may not be a perfect deterrent in every harmful scenario, but they can provide a victim with some criminal recourse if an abuser violates an order.
In addition to standard protective orders, Wisconsin has temporary restraining orders, which are put in place to give the threatened person more time to request a longer-term order. Also, under federal protection order law, if you have a valid protection order issued by one state, Wisconsin and other states are required to honor and enforce that order.
Figuring out how to get a protective order and making sure it's enforced can appear complicated. You can find more introductory information and resources on this topic by visiting FindLaw's Orders of Protection and Restraining Orders section. You can also contact a Wisconsin domestic violence attorney if you would like legal assistance with a domestic violence or protective order matter.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Wisconsin attorneys offer free consultations.