Civil Protection Orders
As part of our Civil Legal Services, NVRDC staff attorneys offer free legal representation for adult survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, dating violence, and stalking who are seeking a Civil Protection Order (“CPO”) in DC Superior Court. We can assist survivors in the following ways:
Brief Advice: An NVRDC lawyer will give an overview of the civil protection order process. This includes: steps for filing a petition, information about temporary protection orders, instructions on effectuating service of process, and an explanation of the hearing process. A victim can also ask about the pros and cons with proceeding with a civil protection order, and ask about any additional concerns.
Pro Se Preparation: An NVRDC lawyer will give you advice on representing yourself in a CPO hearing. This may include a discussion of your evidence (such as your witnesses and testimony)
Full-Representation: An NVRDC lawyer can represent you in court. Representation may include assisting the client through the civil protection order process, including: filing for a petition, requesting a continuance, preparing the case, communicating with the attorney negotiator, preparing consent orders, and presenting the case during the hearing.
Representation may also include assisting a client with extending or modifying their current Civil Protection Order. It may also include assisting a client with enforcing the CPO through civil or criminal contempt.