Protection Orders in Franklin County
- Civil Protection Order (CPO):
For those related by blood or marriage, have a child in common, or have lived together within the last 5 years as a spouse, including same-sex couples. There need not be a current criminal case. This order lasts up to 5 years.- This order is applied for on the 6th floor of 373 S. High St.
- Hours are weekdays from 8am-11am & 1pm-3pm.
- Photo I.D. required.
- For questions not answered below, you may contact the Capital University Family Advocacy Clinic at (614) 236-6779.
- Temporary Protection Order (TPO):
For those currently involved in a misdemeanor or felony criminal case. No relationship is required. This order lasts the life of the case & expires upon sentence or dismissal.- These orders are typically requested and granted at time of arraignment of defendant. Advocate on staff in arraignment court will assist in the application process.
- Photo I.D. required.
- For questions not answered below, you may contact the Franklin County Victim Witness Unit at (614) 525-3555.
- Sexually Oriented Offense Protection Order (SOOPO):
For those who are the victim of a sexual assault. No relationship is required. Can be obtained at any point during a case (prior to indictment through post-trial, acquittal or release from institution). This order can last up to 5 years.- This order is applied for on the 2nd floor of 345 S. High St., Suite 2402.
- Photo I.D. required.
- For questions not answered below, you may contact the Protection Order Liaison at (614) 525-3766.
- Civil Stalking Protection Order (CSPO):
For those receiving documented, unwanted contact from another. No relationship is required. This order lasts up to 5 years.- This order is applied for on the 2nd floor of 345 S. High St., Suite 2402.
- Photo I.D. required.
- For questions not answered below, you may contact the Protection Order Liaison at (614) 525-3766.
- Juvenile Protection Order (JPO):
For orders against those under the age of 18.- This order is applied for on the 6th floor of 373 S. High St.
- Photo I.D. required.
- For questions not answered below, you may contact the Juvenile Clerk of Courts at (614) 525-4411.
Additional Information
A liaison will assist you in filling out the necessary paperwork. After the paperwork has been completed, you will be taken to the courtroom and an ex-parte hearing will be held (in which only you are present). If the Judge finds reasonable cause, he/she will issue a temporary order commanding the respondent (person you are getting the order against) to maintain a certain distance from you, vacate any shared residence, or to take, or not take, certain actions as deemed applicable.
A copy of the order will be delivered to the Franklin County Sheriff's office who will attempt to serve a copy of the order to the respondent. The order is not in effect until it has been served.
A full, or final hearing will be scheduled for 7-10 days after the petition is filed. The temporary order will remain in effect until this hearing. At the final hearing, the Judge or Magistrate will decide whether to put a full order into effect, and for how long.
The entire process can take a few hours. If you arrive after 3pm, your request may not be processed until the next day due to the time it takes to fill out the forms, speak to a judge and have the sheriff issue the order.