Can Survivors Request Expedited Hearings for Restraining Orders?

Yes, survivors of domestic violence can request expedited hearings for restraining orders, and in certain circumstances, courts can grant these requests to ensure the victim’s immediate safety. The process typically involves the survivor demonstrating urgent need due to an immediate threat of harm.

Process for Requesting Expedited Hearings for Restraining Orders:

Emergency Orders:
In many jurisdictions, a survivor of domestic violence can request an emergency restraining order, also known as a temporary protection order (TPO) or emergency protection order (EPO). This order is typically granted immediately by a judge, even without the abuser being present in court. The survivor may request an expedited hearing if they are in imminent danger and need immediate protection.

Filing the Request:
The survivor (or their attorney) can file a petition with the court requesting the expedited hearing. The petition should clearly explain the threat or violence they are facing, including any recent incidents or evidence of harm. Some jurisdictions have specific forms for requesting expedited hearings for restraining orders, which are available at family courts or domestic violence shelters.

Criteria for Expedited Hearings:
Courts will typically grant an expedited hearing when the survivor can show there is an immediate risk to their safety. This may include:

• Evidence of recent violence, threats, or harassment.
• Fear of retaliation or further harm if a restraining order is not granted quickly.
• A pattern of abusive behavior that indicates the urgency of protection.
• Evidence that the abuser has access to the survivor or knows their whereabouts.

Judge’s Discretion:
A judge may expedite the hearing based on the urgency of the situation. If the survivor is in danger or there is clear evidence of an imminent threat, the court may prioritize their case and schedule a hearing sooner than usual, sometimes within 24 to 72 hours of filing the petition.

Temporary vs. Final Orders:
An expedited hearing often results in the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO), which can be effective immediately but usually only lasts for a short period (e.g., 10-30 days). A full hearing will then be scheduled for a final restraining order, where both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence. However, the temporary order is put in place for the survivor’s protection in the meantime.

Legal Assistance and Advocacy:
Survivors seeking expedited hearings often work with legal advocates, attorneys, or victim support services that help them navigate the court process and ensure they present a compelling case for the urgency of the hearing. These advocates can also help the survivor gather supporting evidence, such as police reports, medical records, or witness statements.

Example:

A woman who is experiencing ongoing physical and emotional abuse may go to a family court to request a restraining order against her abuser. She may be able to present evidence that her abuser has threatened her life and has made recent attempts to contact her. If the survivor explains to the court that she is in immediate danger, the judge may grant an emergency order of protection and schedule an expedited hearing within 48 hours to consider the full restraining order. This temporary order would allow the survivor to remain protected while awaiting the final court date.

Conclusion:

Survivors of domestic violence have the right to request expedited hearings for restraining orders to protect themselves from imminent harm. Courts are designed to prioritize these requests when there is clear evidence of an urgent threat, providing immediate legal protection for the victim. By demonstrating the risk they face, survivors can access the legal system quickly to ensure their safety.