How to File a Restraining Order in Fresno, CA

When you are a victim of domestic violence, you may continually fear for the safety of yourself and even your children. Protecting yourself from your abuser is of the utmost importance, and one step you can take is by filing a restraining order. The process may feel overwhelming when you're under stress and fear, but fortunately, if you need help filing a , DoNotPay can help you through the process.

Understanding Restraining Orders and How They Work

What exactly is a restraining order, and how do they protect you? Let's break it down so you can be sure you qualify and can get one quickly if you do.

What Is a Restraining Order?

A restraining order is a court ordered protection that restrains or restricts the offender from doing a variety of acts. This could include, but is not limited to, contacting the victim in person, showing up at their home or work, and more.

Restraining orders can also include children or other potential victims. Temporary restraining orders only last up to a few weeks, while permanent restraining orders can last for a few years.

What Are the Types of Restraining Orders?

There are different types of restraining orders available in California, depending on the type of relationship between the protected person and the offender. Knowing when you can get a restraining order will help you understand which type to apply for so your request is not denied.

Civil Harassment Protective Order	If you are being harassed (defined as unlawful violence, credit threats of violence, or willful conduct that alarms, annoys or harasses someone with no legitimate purpose), you can seek a civil harassment protective order. There does not have to be any established relationship between the parties.
Domestic Violence Restraining Order	To obtain this type of restraining order, the victim and abuser must be relatives, relatives by marriage, dating/partners, living together, or have children in common. Domestic violence is broad, and you can seek protection if you are the victim of: Physical abuse Sexual abuse Emotional abuse Verbal abuse Spiritual abuse Financial abuse Destructive acts Homophobic abuse/threats Immigration threats
Elder Abuse Restraining Order	Individuals who are aged 65 and older that are a victim of physical abuse, financial abuse, neglect, abandonment, etc., can ask for an elder or dependent adult abuse restraining order. If you are between the ages of 18-64 and have certain physical or mental disabilities that prevent you from doing normal activities and protecting yourself, you can also seek an elder abuse restraining order. Depending on the relationship between you and the abuser, you may also qualify for a domestic violence restraining order.
Workplace Violence Restraining Order	Employers can request these types of restraining orders to help protect an employee from suffering from violence or credible threats of violence at the workplace, particularly if the violence has or could happen at the workplace. These restraining orders can also protect the victim's family and other employees from being contacted by the offender.

What Happens if the Offender Violates the Order?

When the offender violates a restraining order, they can be arrested, incarcerated and/or fined. First offenses are usually misdemeanors, but subsequent violations can be charged as a felony in California.

How to File a Restraining Order in Fresno County

While it can be a bit tedious and time-consuming, you can request a restraining order on your own. There are several things you need to know.

You can file a restraining order yourself, get assistance from a lawyer, or potentially from a local agency (depending on income) or domestic violence program.
Go to the Fresno County Online Document Help center and choose Restraining Order Triage.
Read through the information to verify which type of restraining order you qualify for.
Make sure you are compiling as much proof as possible, so the judge understands the severity of the situation.
You can then proceed - you will need to create an account. Always be sure to log out and clear your browsing history, especially if you fear you are being watched.
You may be charged a fee for filing ($395.00) but sometimes it can be waived if violence is involved.
You can prepare and submit the documents online, or print and file them in person.
File in person at: B.F. Sisk Courthouse, 1130 O Street, Fresno, CA 93721
For more information, you can also contact Sisk Courthouse: Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm by calling (559) 457-2000.

DoNotPay Can Help You File a Fresno County Restraining Order

When you are being threatened, stalked, harassed or abused, you have enough to worry about. DoNotPay is prepared to reduce some of your stress by helping you understand California's restraining order laws, helping you figure out the process for , and get the paperwork in order for you.

How to apply for a restraining order with the help of DoNotPay:

Search for relationship protection on DoNotPay.
Answer a few easy questions on our File a Restraining Order product.
Submit the form and you're done!

And that's it! DoNotPay will compile the forms you need to fill out and give you detailed instructions about how to file for a restraining order in Fresno to help keep you safe.

DoNotPay Helps Protect You in Many Ways

Not only can DoNotPay help you file restraining orders in California, we can help you file them in Texas, Florida, or any other state or jurisdiction across the country, because even though federal law requires states to honor other states' protective orders, you may have circumstances which require a new protective order.

We are also prepared to help you:

DoNotPay wants to save you time, reduce your stress, and keep you safe!