Wyoming Protective Orders Laws

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed February 06, 2023

Also known as orders of protection and protective orders, protection 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 an overview of protection orders and related laws in Wyoming.

Protective Orders and Related Laws

A protective order is a court-certified document that prohibits the person named in the order from getting within a certain distance of the person seeking the order. If the named person violates the order, they can be arrested and charged with a crime. Protective orders are most often used in cases of domestic abuse, but they can also be used to try to keep stalkers away.

Code Section	35-21-101, et seq.; 6-4-404
Activity Addressed by Order	Orders address a variety of activities. The following are examples of activities addressed by orders of protection: Prohibiting the respondent (the alleged perpetrator) from making contact with the petitioner (the alleged victim) Excluding the respondent from a dwelling Establishing temporary custody or support arrangements Requiring the respondent to attend counseling sessions Ordering a telephone service provider to transfer to the petitioner sole rights to a telephone service, while also cancelling the respondent's ability to use that service, including access to any data available through that service Granting sole possession to petitioner of any household pet or barring contact between the respondent and that pet Prohibiting possession of firearms
Duration of Order	Protective orders may last for a duration of up to three years, while they may also be extended in three-year increments.
Penalty for a Violation of Order	If the respondent willfully violates an order, the offense will be treated as a misdemeanor. For a misdemeanor, the respondent faces up to six months in jail and/or a fine of $750.
Who May Apply for Order	The following people are eligible for orders of protection: Household members Persons living with each other as though they are married Persons married to each other Formerly married persons Persons formerly married to each other as though they were married Parents and the adult children of those parents People that live together Persons in -- or who have been in -- a dating relationship Any victim of domestic abuse
Can Fees Be Waived?	There are no filing fees.
Order Transmission to Law Enforcement	A copy is sent to the county sheriff. The county sheriff notifies the local law enforcement agency in the petitioner's county.
Civil Liability for Violation of Order	Yes

Domestic violence is taken seriously in Wyoming. Survivors of domestic abuse and those who feel threatened can use protection orders to shield themselves from further harassment and abuse. Wyoming also has emergency protection orders, which can be put in place quickly, so the threatened person has more time to request a more permanent order. Additionally, federal protection order law requires states to honor and enforce valid orders issued by other states.