There are many reasons a person would seek a personal protection order against someone else, including stalking.
There are lots of reasons why a person (called the Petitioner) might ask to get a Personal Protection Order (PPO) from a court in Michigan. The reasons can be seen simply from looking at the different types of PPOs available here in our state. There are three types of PPOs:
- Domestic Personal Protection Orders,
- Non-domestic (stalking) Personal Protection Orders, and
- Sexual Assault Personal Protection Orders.
As an alternative, the Petitioner or Plaintiff, or both parties could also seek a civil mutual restraining order (CMRO).
What is the difference between a PPO versus a CMRO?
One difference between a PPO and a CMRO is that a PPO restricts the activities of only one party while a CMRO restricts the activities of both parties. That’s why it’s mutual. Additionally, a PPO results in many consequences for the single party. A PPO is entered into the public record and the Michigan State Police LEIN (Law Enforcement Information Network) system, and it restricts an individual from entering certain premises, usually restricts an individual from purchasing or having a firearm, and finally, a PPO may restrict a parent’s access to their children.
There are other important differences between a Personal Protection Order and a Mutual Civil Restraining Order. A PPO is called a quasi-criminal proceeding. Violation of a PPO could land the Respondent / Defendant in jail. Repeated violations might end in criminal felony charges for aggravated stalking. Upon conviction for aggravated stalking, the defendant is subject to prison time of up to 5 years.
What is the difference between domestic and non-domestic PPO’s?
In a non-domestic PPO, the Petitioner can ask the court for various protections. Some of those include: Following you, approaching you or confronting you; appearing in your sight or at your workplace or at your home; entering on to premises where you live or rent; calling or texting you; sending you mail or leaving messages for you, threatening to kill you or possessing a firearm; Cyberstalking” you. Cyberstalking includes posting messages on the Internet, a computer, or any electronic means including social media.
A domestic PPO is available only when there is or was a genuine, domestic relationship with the Respondent / Defendant. That means, The petitioner’s spouse or former spouse; some person with whom the petitioner shares a common child; a person who lives, now or in the past in the same household as petitioner; A person that the petitioner is or was dating.
Do you need help with a PPO in Michigan?
If you need help with a personal protection order, or need to ask the court for a Civil Mutual Restraining Order or for a Personal Protection Order for any reason, come and talk to the very experienced criminal defense attorneys at The Kronzek Firm. Or call 866 766 5245 to discuss your case with an attorney today.