If you are served with a Civil or Criminal Protection Order and are trying to figure out what to do if you’ve been charged with a CPO, the best protection you can give yourself is to hire a criminal defense attorney. A criminal defense attorney will be there to ensure your rights are protected during the process and help guide you on how to appear and what to say in court.

If you are unfamiliar with CPOs in general, find our guide to protection orders here.

Your response when dealing with a CPO can significantly affect the outcome of the case. If you are serious about learning how to protect yourself against a CPO here are some things you can do:

1. Take the Order Seriously

• Even if you believe the protection order to be unfair or a bluff, violating any of the terms can result in serious consequences like criminal charges or jail time.
• Read through the entire protection order and contact a lawyer to answer any questions or rules you do not understand.
• Under no circumstances should you contact or find a way around contacting the petitioner (person who filed)

2. Carefully Read the CPO

• Understand the type of CPO that has been filed against you, there are various types of CPOs.
• Review and take into account what restrictions you must follow. This could include no contact, vacating shared residences, firearm restrictions, etc.

3. Immediately Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

• The benefits of having an experienced criminal defense attorney include:
  • Ability to review claims for weaknesses or inconsistencies
  • Gathering favorable evidence or witnesses
  • Helping you to dismiss or limit the scope of the order

No matter what, always be sure to appear at every hearing requested of you.

If you are not yet represented and are looking for an experienced, trial-tested criminal defense attorney to uphold your rights in court, click here to fill out a form and get connected with attorney Brien K. Miller.